Ross County got their Premiership season up and running last weekend with a 2-1 win over Dundee and the Dingwall men will look to build on that success in the Highland derby.
Jim McIntyre takes his men across the Kessock Bridge on Sunday for a meeting with Inverness Caledonian Thistle, live on Sky Sports with a 12.45pm kick-off.
All three of last season’s derbies were won by the away team and the former Queen of the South and Dunfermline boss will be hoping that trend continues.
He said: “I have already picked up that it means a lot to the people in Dingwall and the people at the club. It is an important game and it is much better to be going into it having picked up the three points from our win over Dundee last weekend.
“The people here are really keen for us to win this one and it is a bit of a cup final. Fortunately, I know a bit about derby football and have experience to call on.”
The 42-year-old added: “These are the games as a player that you want to play in and I played in a few. I played in the Ayrshire one, as well as the Dundee one, a Fife derby and a couple when I was down in Reading against Oxford and Wycombe.
“They are always special occasions and this one will be the same, especially as the clubs are in close proximity to each other. Inverness are playing some marvellous stuff just now and have been since the start of the season. The influence of having had a pre-season under John Hughes is paying off for them.”
County are still at the foot of the table, with Caley Thistle in third spot despite losing 3-2 at Aberdeen last weekend. Inverness are unbeaten at home and the Staggies have yet to pick up a point on their travels but McIntyre insists spirits are high.
He said: “The win over Dundee was much sought after and it had been a long time coming. I have only been here for a few weeks and that wait for a win was long enough. For the players, and everyone associated with the club, it was a bit of a longer wait but we have that first win now.
“We will look to keep that going and it is much better to be going into an important game having picked up three points. Life is more enjoyable after a win, especially one where you are ahead and get pulled back, only to score a last-minute winner.
“We have created chances in every game since I came in but the big difference against Dundee last weekend was that we took a couple of them.
“The boys deserved that as they were working hard to get success. My assistant Billy Dodds, as well as the sports scientist Russell Hughes, and I have been working long hours since we came in to achieve it as well.
“The Chairman and the Board have backed us magnificently and have been behind the plans we are making to get moving up the table. A win against Inverness would be another big step in the right direction.”
Craig Stewart
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