League-leaders Celtic made nine changes with Tuesday's Champions League last 16 first leg against Juventus in mind but still beat second-placed Caley to open up a 18-point gap between them.
"I would have done the same but I haven't got nine players to put in," Butcher said.
"They have quality players who haven't played for a while and especially with them romping away with the league and a Champions League game coming up, every player at Celtic will be on a high and will want to be part of that success.
"But I couldn't do any team talks before the game because I didn't have a clue what they were going to do - and when I got their team I still didn't have a clue."
Caley took the lead in the game courtesy of Nick Ross' early goal but Celtic responded quickly through Kris Commons before Rami Gershon and Miku made sure of the points.
Despite the defeat, Butcher was pleased with his side's efforts.
"It was a good test for our players. I am not disappointed with the way we played, I am disappointed with the result and conceding three goals," he said.
"We have nine matches to go. I am glad we have Celtic out of the way and if we play like that we will win more than we lose."







