tm4tj

Tale of two Jags Inverness face one of only three teams to have taken all three points off them so far this season. It's the Harry Wraggs who come North, weather permitting on Saturday for week 16 of the SPFL Premiership campaign, almost half way to the dreaded split. The league table does not normally lie, but Partick sit ninth on sixteen points, exactly half the total of their hosts tomorrow. That's hard to explain really, considering they gave us a doing at Firhill in September. Aaron Doran had given Inverness an early lead but ten minutes later Partick turned that around to go 2-1 ahead with goals from Steven Lawless and Abdul Osman. Partick were buzzing around and despite Inverness getting to grips with the game in the second half, they fell further behind from a stunning strike by Kallum Higginbotham. They even threw away the opportunity of a fourth when Kris Doolan missed a late spot kick. What made this result hard to bear was the fact that Inverness had not conceded any goals in the previous five league games since the start of the season, but Partick destroyed that run in what was an excellent result for them. Since then, we have gone on a decent run, winning six and losing two (Dons & Celtic away), and a derby draw with County. Partick have lost five league games over the same period, the lowlight being a 3-0 defeat at Rugby Park. They also suffered badly at the hands of Celtic in the League Cup quarter final, losing 6-0, but they fared better in a recent premiership game losing 1-0. Partick on their day can be as adventurous as the best of them, their Achilles heel has been defensive frailties which is something Inverness can capitalise on, especially at home. We are unbeaten at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium this season, the only blemishes being the draw with relegation candidates Dross County, and the midweek draw with Dundee. One complaint from the home fans is that it usually takes half a game to get into top gear, but early goals in the cup replay against St Mirren showed that we can start early and finish strong as well. Inverness' only concern is the permanently injured Richie Foran. Partick Thistle have worries over defenders Frederic Frans and Jake Carroll. Jordan McMillan is back training and Nathan Eccleston looks set to return. John Hughes has been singing the praises of his squad after his subs made an impact at Dens Park and his main conundrum is whether any of the substitutes warrant a start ahead of the regular X1. It's a luxury we have not always been afforded, and having explosive guys like Aaron Doran and Ryan Christie on the bench is always a plus agaist tiring defences. Yogi has also been fending off other clubs who are reported to be showing an interest in hot property, Ryan Christie. Not for sale is the message from Yogi. tm4tj prediction:- I'm taking Inverness to exact revenge on the Harry Wraggs with a reversal of the September scoreline. We have been consistently solid at home and our second half surges are getting reminiscent of the olde Pele days. Home win for me, by 3-1.

Dens Draw on the Cards A tough day is anticipated ahead of the visit to the City of Discovery to play Dundee, a team on the up and playing with confidence right now. The news that the incompetent Willie Collum will be in control (that's a bit of a misnomer) makes everyone's task even more difficult. The previous encounter this season saw Dundee earn a point in a midweek fixture in the Highlands with a goalless draw. One man to watch on Saturday is former Motherwell striker David Clarkson. He is on a run just now having scored eight goals in eight games and will be worth keeping an eye on. That's a great return for the Bellshill lad whose last season at Bristol Rovers was plagued by injury Dundee are without midfielder Paul McGowan, still suffering from a knee injury, (aye right), and Peter MacDonald who will miss out as well. Scott Bain will keep the goalies jersey with Kyle Letheren still out. Bain performed heroics last weekend in the cup win over Aberdeen. Inverness are at full strength with captain Richie Foran the only exception to the rule. Ginger Jaggy has been doing the homework for this Preview............. Celtic have hit top spot and the likelihood is that they will stay there until the end of the season but Caley Thistle have a duty to push the champions all the way as best of the rest. John Hughes’ charges have been fantastic so far and will go out to prove to Celtic that surprises come in small packages. Next up is a tricky away game in the City of Discovery against the dark blue side of Dundee. Dundee is one of two teams in the league who have come North and taken anything away from the Caledonian Stadium, so Saturday is our turn to take the points along the A9. Paul Hartley has had a great start to his management career. After successive promotions with Alloa Athletic, he then promoted Dundee to the top flight to make it three on the trot. With this record comes an exciting brand of football which has seen the Dark Blues climb into the top six currently. The signing of David Clarkson has been remarkable as he has scored in 8 successive games including a last minute winner to knock fancied Aberdeen out of the Scottish Cup. Dundee has recruited well in the summer and since the signing of Clarkson it has all come together to make Dundee almost safe already. The good times could be returning to the city with Neighbours United starting to compete up the table on a more regular basis. James McPake has added steel and experience at the back while additions of Paul McGowan (injured) and Gary Harkins (in his 3rd spell at the club) have added flair and guile. Harkins alongside Leigh Griffiths were the main protagonists in their side when we humiliated them by overturning a 16 point lead to win the 1st division by 12 points. Griffiths may have gone and Harkins has aged somewhat since his period as a prolific goal scoring midfielder, but he still has the class and quality to cause us problems. A lot of what is good about Dundee’s football comes through the Greenock born midfielder so if Inverness can keep him quiet then that is half the battle won. It could have been oh so different with Hartley in the away dugout instead of the home one tomorrow. Most fans at the time were bewildered that the club let such a bright and promising young manager slip through our fingers after the Butcher fiasco. To then add salt in the wounds the club go and appoint a man with a very mixed record. But Yogi has quietened the dissenters and although there has been one or two hiccups, it has largely been one continuous rollercoaster. The players have been performing brilliantly and we go into this game on the back of a brilliant run of form with 3 wins and one draw in both league and cup. Tuesday’s 4-0 thrashing of St Mirren will have given the guys confidence but we know this will be a tougher test. The first game finished 0-0 back in the first week of the season. That game was tight and pretty turgid but both teams are flowing now and are playing some really entertaining stuff. With lots of attacking talent on both sides I expect goals tomorrow let’s hope it will be on the right side. This will be a tough match but I still think Inverness have enough to win the game and make sure we continue to keep the pressure on Celtic as best of the rest. In Friday nights game, Dundee United held on to beat bottom club Dross County, who finished with ten men. That result cements County at the basement, but more importantly, Dundee United jump into second place, two points above Inverness. So that makes it all the more important that Inverness overcome the Dens Parkers and tuck themselves in behind Celtic once more.

Cup Replay Inverness and St Mirren go head to head after a 1-1 draw at the first time of asking left the clubs with this replay on Tuesday night at Inverness. The Buddies had opened the scoring in the first half when Marc McAusland scored from close range. Inverness took control after the break and the draw was no more than they deserved, the equaliser from Josh Meekings who fired home through a ruck of players after a stramash in the home goal area. So, here we are, it's been a brisk December day in the Highlands and Inverness will be boosted by the return to the squad of the man of the moment Marley Watkins and shoot on sight Greg Tansey. Nick Ross will likely make way for Watkins, but it's a tougher choice for Hughes to make with Tansey available. Inverness have no fresh worries. St Mirren saw Thomson, McGinn and Osbourne return to the side at the weekend and that gave them more presence on the park. Footballing thug Jim Goodwin is available. tm4tj Prediction:- This should be a stroll for Inverness with the Buddies struggling in the league and Tommy Craig doing his best to get sacked. With Watkins back he will be able to get behind the St Mirren defence and the goals will come. Bring on Partick, that's what I say.

The magic of the Cup Inverness are on their travels in the Scottish Cup this Saturday with a visit to Paisley.The last time these sides met here in the Cup in February 2004, a solitary Darran Thomson goal amid heavy snow storms and a Saint Mirren blizzard saw Inverness advance to the next round. First division Inverness then beat Motherwell in the quarter finals with a Barry Wilson goal from 70 yards (it gets longer every year) before losing out 3-2 to Dunfermline Athletic after a replay. That semi-final replay was played at Pittodrie after a 1-1 draw at Hampden. How times have changed. Inverness sit joint top of the Premiership, St Mirren are struggling at the foot of the table and Darran Thomson was last heard of playing for Vale of Lethen. Ross Tokely was an item of hate for St Mirren fans, and the news on the street is that Rossco is off to Angola for a bit of work. So, not much for the locals to boo tomorrow. Mind you, Tommy Craig will be there. The Cup brings it's own magic to the football season. Inverness should know as they produced one of the greatest shocks ever in that memorable game at Parkhead. Brora Rangers are the only Highland League side left but the draw was less than favourable for them as they make the long haul from Dudgeon Park to Palmerston to face Queen of the South. The romance lives on for Bo'ness United and they have been given every chance of an upset with a home game against Arbroath. The final non league side are Spartans FC who face Greenock Morton at Ainslie Park, Edinburgh. Five Premiership sides will not make the next round and with Rangers playing Hamilton and Celtic facing Hearts then another two prominent clubs will miss out as well. So, in general, it's a great draw for the lesser clubs and maybe the magic will go on a bit longer for one or two of the minnows. Marley Watkins has been a key player for Inverness this year and his absence will benefit the home side. His strength on the ball and blistering pace cause problems for defenders and he has added goals to his game. I would expect Aaron Doran to fill his boots, his cameo last week deserving of more air time. Ross Draper should return after suspension and he will be a direct replacement for Greg Tansey. A rejuvenated James Vincent is showing his worth and Ryan Christie has the skill and energy to turn a game quickly. Others staking a claim for a starting berth are Carl Tremarco, Nick Ross, Liam Polworth and Danny Devine. St Mirren could welcome captain and seasoned striker Steven Thompson back, although he might not be fit enough for a start but would be a useful addition to the bench. Jim Goodwin is out, the ruthless defender has beaten up one too many players and is banned. Latest Team News Inverness pair Greg Tansey and Marley Watkins are both banned after going through the bookings threshold, while captain Richie Foran is out long term. Ross Draper returns. Captain Steven Thompson could return after a long spell out for this Scottish Cup meeting with Inverness. Midfielders John McGinn and Isaac Osbourne are also pushing for a start since their return to training. Bad boy Jim Goodwin is suspended and Ellis Plummer and Gregg Wylde miss out through injury. tm4tj Prediction:- John Hughes reckons the law of averages could come into play in this game. "The law of averages says they have got to win sometime so we need to make sure we are at our best or we could be the side to suffer", said Yogi. I tend to agree with him on this one. St Mirren are having a torrid time just now and Tommy Craig does not seem to be able to lift the team, but the Cup often releases some of the tension in struggling sides and with Watkins and Tansey out we will need to be at our sharpest to avoid missing out on a decent Cup run. Might need a replay to sort this one out, but it won't be as easy as the bookies are making out.

Oh Well! Managerless Motherwell make the journey to Inverness this Saturday with caretaker boss Kenny Black still at the helm since the departure of the popular Stuart McCall. That's not the only issues at Fir Park as the club's owner John Boyle has placed his 70% shareholding in trust in the hope that the Well Society can raise the necessary funds to buy them, although other interested parties are monitoring the situation. Off-field concerns may be clouding the on-field problems, but Motherwell generally perform well up here and an entertaining encounter is anticipated. It's been a mixed international break for Scotland with an important win over Ireland in the Euro Qualifying campaign offset by a lesson from an impressive England in a 'friendly'. Ryan Christie also came on as a substitute in the u21 international draw away to Switzerland, but it's time to turn our attention back to the domestic scene for the visit of Motherwell. The Steelmen have had a horrendous season by their own recent standards, winning only three of their first thirteen games with one drawn, but that was against Celtic. They ended a run of five straight defeats by beating Dundee United in their last game, an Iain Vigurs goal deciding who won the points. That victory was too late for McCall who had resigned on the 2nd of November after that losing streak. Kenny Black will be the man in charge and he has done his CV no harm with that win over the Arabs as he looks to steer the Well away from the bottom end of the table. Our last game before the break saw us jump above Hamilton after a well deserved 4-2 win over the Accies. It was an important win for a number of reasons. Billy McKay learned how to score again, James Vincent notched one and we went top of the league for a few hours. We still managed to concede a couple of preventable goals, but our goals for was the best so far this term. There has however been some concern in the camp as the outstanding Graeme Shinnie does not wish to sign a new contract, according to his agent Clive Hart, and that has upset the apple cart. John Hughes was less than pleased after the revelation and Shinnie's agent has been blamed for stirring the pot citing "unprofessional and disrespectful" conduct towards Inverness Caledonian Thistle. It's fair to say that Shinnie will more than likely be playing elsewhere next season with a number of clubs interested in the 23 year old, Aberdeen and Rangers allegedly amongst the domestic clubs keeping an eye on the situation. Shinnie signed for Inverness in 2009 and is currently captaining the side in the absence of Richie Foran. Carl Tremarco will be pushing for another start, and if he does, then I would expect Shinnie to play his part further up the park in left midfield. Aaron Doran played in midweek in the development league when a Callum Ferguson goal saw Inverness beat Dundee United. It's fair to say he (Doran), along with Nick Ross and Danny Devine will start on the bench as Marley Watkins continues to impress. James Vincent scored and looks to be getting back into the groove and the goal will be an added boost for the much injured James. All in all, similar line-up to last outing is on the cards. Happy days! Who's throwing a sickie this week Inverness captain Richie Foran seems to have been out forever and will miss out again. No fresh concerns for Inverness, although Ross Draper has a one match ban to serve. Ryan Christie returned from Switzerland unscathed after coming on as a sub in the u21 international. Motherwell have loaned defender Adam Cummins to Ayr for a month. Steven Hammell requires a minor operation to resolve his groin problem. Likewise Jack Leitch has undergone surgery on his cruciate ligament and will be out until Spring. Craig Moore has recently recovered from similar surgery, but is unwell. Former County man Paul Lawson, Bob McHugh and Stuart Carswell all picked up knocks in recent Development matches and won’t travel this weekend. tm4tj prediction:- Looking at the table you could be forgiven for imagining that this could be anything other than a comfortable home win. I don't buy into this though. Motherwell are not that far removed, personnel wise, from the side that performed so well last season. Yes they have had a disastrous start to the season but the tide has possibly turned with last weeks battling win over United. Iain Vigurs has always been a threat to Inverness. The fans love to hate him, and he seems to accept the challenge and usually comes up with something to shut us up. Billy McKay got back on track last week with a couple of poachers goals, but his all round play was mighty impressive. With Draper out, that opens the door for Tremarco at full back with Shinnie in midfield. Hughes has other options though, and a keen bench champing at the bit. Four goals against Hamilton has whet the appetite, let's hope the international intermission has not put us off our food. I'll go for a narrow home win.