Inverness’ beleaguered players will feel a sense of relief at facing the journey South to take on Raith Rovers in Kirkcaldy on Tuesday night – after the clubs third home league defeat in a row home comforts are hardly top of any Caley Jags player or fans list of priorities.

The third straight loss of three goals at home has sent the patience of the Inverness support into meltdown and the fans, who have turned up in record numbers this season, have even begun to question the hitherto largely backed manager, Terry Butcher.

Raith, for their part, have excelled since their promotion from the Second Division last season and currently sit six points clear of Inverness and two off early pace-setters Queen of the South. John McGlynn must hope that Caley Thistle replicate their home form (the worst in the league) rather than their away form (the best in the league).

Past Meetings

Caley Thistle have met Raith Rovers 18 times in league and cup since the sides first met in 1999, with the Highlanders winning ten matches, the Fifers five and three draws. Initially when Steve Paterson’s Caley advanced into the First Division Rovers were something of a bogey team for the new boys. It took Caley Jags until the sides eighth meeting to record a victory, a run which saw Rovers rack up a few handsome victories. Rovers have a fine history of bringing players into the Scottish leagues and some of those who scored against Caley Thistle before going on to enjoy (with due respect to Raith) bigger and better things included Didier Agathe, Paul Tosh, Marvin Andrews, Craig Dargo, Nacho Novo and Alex Burns. Slightly less impressively ex-Celtic starlet Gerry Creaney scored his only goal during an uninspiring period at Raith against Caley Thistle.

After securing a maiden win over Rovers on the 23rd of March 2001, thanks to a Dennis Wyness double, Caley set about reversing the ‘bogeyteam’ status with a run of comprehensive victories in this fixture, including three five goal hauls in a row. The most impressive of these, at Starks Park, saw ICT come back after a Novo penalty in the second minute to triumph 5-1 thanks to goals from Bobby Mann, Charlie Christie, Ross Tokely, Paul Ritchie and Barry Robson. John Robertson’s men also scored a vital win during their inspiring run-in to take the 2004 First Division, when an early Paul Ritchie goal saw Caley claw back two points on then leaders Clyde.

Players to Watch

For Caley Thistle, all eyes will be on the back four as fans wonder what action Butcher will take with regards his leaky rearguard. Narius Bulvitis is probably looked at as the most likely candidate for the chop but Butcher has shown faith in the big Latvian before after errors. One possibility is that Brewster will re-introduce Ross Tokely at centre-back where he performed admirably towards the end of last season, aside from his red card in the relegation decider against Falkirk. Tokely certainly has the size and presence to beef up the back line but that move could leave ICT vulnerable at full back. Butcher will know that something needs to be done and as a former international centre-half the pressure is on for him to find a solution to the current issues.

Prediction

Caley Thistle have secured eight points from four away games this season but likewise Raith haven’t lost at home so far this campaign and will be filled with confidence, in contrast to the visitors from the North. Probably the best Butcher lad’s can hope for is a draw, although with every dropped point the promised land of promotion slips further away. Sadly Caley fans may have to start re-setting goals and expectations for this season.