Derby delight for Butcher

Terry Butcher was euphoric after Inverness won 2-1 against Ross County, whose boss Derek Adams was forced to defend his team selection.

Last Updated: 17/03/13 at 15:29 Post Comment

Butcher (r): Great day for Caley Thistle

Butcher (r): Great day for Caley Thistle

Caley Thistle boss Butcher billed Saturday's SPL encounter as the biggest Highlands derby match of all time.

The stakes were high and the "huge win" for Inverness has all but ensured they will make history this season by securing the club's first top-six finish in the Scottish Premier League.

Inverness regained third place from County after Billy McKay's contentious 59th-minute penalty eventually proved decisive, after a stunning Paul Lawson goal 10 minutes before the interval restored parity following Andrew Shinnie's fifth-minute opener.

Earning a European place still remains a possibility for Inverness, but Butcher was not willing to contemplate that until their place in the upper half of the table was certain as the league split fast approaches.

He said after the 2-1 home victory: "You don't know much this means to me.

"However, I'm not talking about Europe. I'm just thinking about top six just now.

"This was a huge win for us. It doesn't matter how we got it.

"I brought Richie Foran back into the midfield, into the heat of the battle and he was certainly in there digging away.

"Ross County have good height in their team, but we matched them and I'm just delighted."

Ross County manager Adams raised eyebrows when he did not recall captain Richard Brittain, despite him being available following a suspension.

Martin Scott also missed out despite being involved in the 3-2 win over Celtic, with his place being taken by Ivan Sproule who limped off injured early in the second half.

Adams said: "I only left out Martin Scott, who was excellent, from the team that played Celtic, while Richard Brittain was suspended for that match.

"He (Brittain) missed out on Saturday as well and the reason for that was because the team had played so well last time out against Celtic.

"Ivan has a hamstring problem. He told me at half-time and it soon became clear he wasn't going to be ready for the second half, so we'll need to see how he is."

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