Matter of trust for Caley Jags

Players challenged daily on training pitch

Caley Thistle assistant Russell Latapy believes trust between the players and manager John Hughes will be key to the club having a successful Scottish Premiership season.

Caley Thistle assistant Russell Latapy believes trust between the players and manager John Hughes will be key to the club having a successful season.

Hughes took the blame for Saturday’s 3-2 defeat against Aberdeen, insisting the concept of playing from the back which cost his side two goals came from his instructions.

The Dons pressured the Highlanders into making defensive mistakes, but Latapy, pictured, reckons that was merely a blip in an otherwise successful transition to the short-passing game which has taken Caley Jags to third in the Premiership.

Latapy said: “We couldn't play that way if the players didn't trust the manager and the way we want to play.

“That is important – there is an opportunity to play a different way and learn a different type of football here.

“Fair play to the squad, they get on the training pitch every day and they ask questions.

“A player can make his name if he passes the ball.

“It is always a learning experience, but the players are getting better and stronger.

“They are thinking about things a lot more so that is encouraging for us as we can see this group of players taking on the ideas we have.”

The focus in Inverness has been on the evolution of the playing squad but Latapy has witnessed the same development in Hughes as a manager since he played under him at Falkirk.

He said: “John has been a manager for 11 years so obviously he will pick up a lot

“Opportunity to play a different way and learn a different type of football”

of things along theway. But he has also been a player who has played at the top level for a lot of years. There is nothing which beats experience.

“John had the ability to play one way, but that doesn't mean he doesn't like football another way.

“He was a no-nonsense centre half and was very good at his job.

“But as amanager, he has always liked to play good football and we have seen the difference in this Caley Thistle side.

“I have seen a progression since he was manager of Falkirk. Like everything else in life, we always learn as we get older and as we continue on a certain journey.

“The good thing about it is the way he wants to play has not changed.”

Caley Thistle’s under-20s defeated Hibs 3-2 at the Caledonian Stadium last night.

The home side took the lead in the seventh minute when Nick Ross scored from eight yards. Calum Ferguson scored from close range to make it two, but Hibs rallied through Aron Dunsmore.

Ferguson scored his second goal for Caley Thistle before Jordan Sinclair scored a consolation.