Title target for Caley Jags

ICT: Boss Robertson ‘supremely confident’ side can still challenge for Championship

Caley Thistle manager John Robertson insists he is ‘supremely confident’ his side can still challenge for the Championship title this season.

Jordan White’s goal gave Inverness a 1-0 win against title chasing Ayr United on Saturday and the victory means Caley Jags are 10 points behind leaders Ross County whose 4-0 defeat at Queen of the South was their second loss in a row.

Inverness still have a game in hand on the Staggies, to be played at Ayr United on January 29, and the unpredictable nature of the division in recent weeks has strengthened Robertson’s resolve that Caley Jags can force their way back into contention.

Saturday’s win was a welcome victory for Inverness following defeats to County and Queen of the South and Robertson believes his side is still in the title hunt.

The Caley Thistle manager said: “We look at results elsewhere but try to focus on ourselves first and foremost. The frustrating aspect for us is had we taken the points our performances deserved against Queen of the South and Ross County, right now we could be sitting at a scenario of four teams on 36 points at the top of the table which would have been a fair reflection of how our season has gone.

“Those last two games show how difficult it is in this league to see games out and that is why we are not giving up on anything. With 16 games to go we are supremely confident we can pick up enough points to give it a real go and push up that table.”

The Inverness manager hailed his side’s committed display in beating the Honest Men on Saturday.

He said: “Saturday was a big result for us. Had we got the second goal it would have been more comfortable but we came through a potentially testing finish to take all three points.

“We had Brad McKay and Shaun Rooney suspended, Nathan Austin,

“Those last two games show how difficult it is in this league”

George Oakley and Angus Beith injured, and Jamie McCart climbed out his sickbed on Saturday morning to play. At 11am he wasn’t playing due to sickness and headaches but he got through the game.

“Liam Polworth hadn’t trained all week due to the flu either. It was incredible and showed the resolve in the dressing room.

“Coll Donaldson has an ongoing groin injury we are trying to manage and Joe Chalmers took a dull one early in the game but refused to come off. He stayed on and played through the pain for the team. They all know what is at stake and I can’t praise them enough for their efforts at the weekend and hopefully it is a result we can build on.”