Ross eyes a Caley push for second

NICK ROSS has revealed he is targeting a second-place finish in the league and a place in Europe next season for Inverness Caley Thistle.

The midfielder scored Thistle’s second goal in their 2-0 win and they are now just one point behind Aberdeen. A win on Saturday against Ross County would take them into second spot and just one point behind league leaders Celtic.

Ross said: ‘I don’t see why we can’t finish in second place. Everyone goes on about Aberdeen and Dundee United challenging Celtic and that kind of suits us. But it always amazes me that we never get much praise. That would take us into Europe and what an achievement that would be.’

John Hughes had to change his team shape and tactics at half-time as his side struggled to pierce open the Accies defence and they couldn’t control the middle of the park.

Hughes said: ‘We scored a great second goal.

‘It’s great for any manager when you know your players have listened to you at half-time.

‘The only disappointment is the injury to goalkeeper Dean Brill. He twisted his knee and fingers crossed he is fine for next weekend.’

Hamilton boss Martin Canning has admitted his players are feeling vulnerable after slumping to their fourth defeat on the trot.

‘The first goal we lost was an own goal. That was just freakish. Anything that can go against just now is going against us,’ he said.

‘The boys are a bit vulnerable but that will change with a win.’

Accies defender Stephen Hendrie played yesterday. He has been linked with Crystal Palace, West Ham and Celtic.

He said: ‘I want to take the chance of a move in case it doesn’t come along again.’