Paisley man to play at Olympics

This game needs little introduction from me. The season is all but over, SPL status retained, and virtually nothing but pride and contracts to play for.

We play our last away game of the season in Paisley, home of the Rossco haters and Scotlands representative at the Olympics, Paolo Nutini. Correct, we are playing St Mirren at New Love Street as they try to become the best of the rest and we struggle to keep above Hibs.

It has been a troubled season for Inverness with old players leaving, new players arriving, injuries, suspensions and poor performances all making it one of our worst seasons in the SPL. I think I can speak for everyone on CTO when I say that we will be glad to see the back of this season. A clean slate next season, with Highland derbies to look forward to once again will add a bit of spice to get your teeth into.

There will however be some putting plenty of effort in this weekend. The Highland March will begin after full time at Paisley and the marchers will be off for a 160 mile stroll back to Inverness; nutters if you ask me. Capital Caley will tell us more about it in his preview, as he will be walking from end to end; as I said, nutters.

Happy Clapping pills - check

Every river I try to cross, every hill I try to climb, every road I try to find, all the rest of the march, I’ll know we’re SPL.

The point against the Pars, no matter how bad the game was will make the Highland March even more enjoyable! Safety has been reached and we hope that it is onwards and upwards for Caley Thistle from here. The Highland March returns to Paisley for its tenth year. This year, the HM troops will be walking 160 miles from Paisley to Sneck for the final game of the season against Hibernian. Well done to everyone that’s taken part in this event over the years. It is truly a pleasure to be involved in such an event. Thanks in advance has to be given to St Mirren as well who have again shown that clubs can help support ‘opposition’ fans and ‘opposition’ events as well.

With the season effectively over there may be a very low turnout on Saturday. Quite a few Caley Thistle fans (and regular posters on CTO) will be taking a break from the football on Saturday to watch the rugby 7’s tournament. I must say, I don’t blame them but Caley Thistle seem to play at their best when the pressure is off. Even Pie and Bovrils infamous Captain Sensible hasn’t had anything to say about the game or Ross Tokely yet. Caley Thistle travel to Paisley on Saturday for what most supporters would describe as a meaningless game. However with the goal now to hang on to 10th place and a final day showdown with Hibs, the 3 points are vital. The higher up the league a team can finish, the more prize money they receive from the SPL. With Hibs one game away from a European space and the likely financial rewards of reaching the Scottish Cup Final, Pat Fenlon will be financially boosted for their relegation battle next season.

With many Caley Thistle players out of contract at the end of the season, they should be playing at the top of their game. However, pardon the cliché but the poor performances as we edge closer to the summer are the story of the season. Lets look at the positives though. This summer will see the management team preparing for another season in the SPL. We have the Highland Derby to look forward to. We do have quality in our team, despite the dreadful season. Some players will go but some players will stay. Hopefully Terry Butcher can keep the top players and add to the squad in the summer with equally top players. Another positive to take into consideration right now is with Hibs winning on Wednesday night, it’s likely we won’t need to go to Dumbfarmlife for at least another season! Even better, it’s only around 2 and a half months until the annual Caley thistle pre-season tour. Bristol Rovers and Aldershot away again please! Yes, I have got my summer holiday hat on again!

With Ross Tokely out of contract at the end of the season, there’s a chance that this may be his last game against St Mirren. Although I hope he stays for one more season. I’m sure the Buddies fans will do their usual to try and put him off if he starts. So lets give all the encouragement we can to Rossco and the rest of the team. After all, it’s the last CaleyAway of the season! Our previous trips to Paisley have been overall very successful. Last season, we defeated St Mirren 2-1 and drew 3-3 in an entertaining end of season game. In December we beat the Buddies 2-1, moving off the bottom of the table. Andrew Shinnie had put the Caley Jags ahead on the 11th minute before Steven Thompson headed in an equaliser with the last touch of the first half. Jonny Hayes grabbed the winner with a spectacular goal from the edge of the box. It was an important turning point in the season. It took Caley thistle off the bottom of the table and also saw the introduction of Billy McKay to the starting XI. McKay has impressed in his performances and has shown the commitment level that is required when wearing a Caley Thistle shirt.

There’s even more good news from the Caley Thistle camp. With Aaron Doran and Andrew Shinnie back in the team and impressing in their come back performances, they can show us (hopefully) what to expect. They are the future of the team and it is now their time to step up. If they are starting on Saturday, they will have to be at the top of their game. St Mirren are on course for their highest ever SPL finish. They are now just one point behind 7th placed Kilmarnock after beating them 2-0 on Wednesday night. With the Saints having dangerous forwards such as Nigel Hasselbaink and Steven Thomson, they are a much improved side from last season.

CapitalCaleys prediction:– Most seasons, Caley Thistle seem to perform well post split. However, defeat to Aberdeen, Kilmarnock and the midweek 0-0 draw at home to Dunfermline continued our recent poor run of form. But maybe Caley Thistles post split success in previous years has something to do with the pressure being off. I would prefer the great performances to occur when we really need them. It makes the match day experience more exciting! But even though we are mathematically safe now, there’s no reason why the team can’t carry on their excellent Paisley form. So c’mon! Those playing for contracts, show us what your worth! Those leaving the club in the summer, give us one more great CaleyAway day for the season! St Mirren 1-3 ICT

Latest Team News

Inverness will have Jonny Hayes back after his one game ban. Chris Hogg is still out, but Andrew Shinnie made a welcome return against the Pars and showed no ill effects, and Aaron Doran is gaining match fitness after a couple of starts. No other injury problems known at time of press.

St Mirren defender David Barron has a knee injury and will sit this one out. Marc McAusland is back after suspension and will be included in the squad. Could be a farewell day for Shuggie Murray, and he may get a chance to say bye bye to the Buddies fans.