Preview: Arbroath v ICT (Cup)

PREVIEW
ARBROATH
-v-
INVERNESS CT

After what was widely viewed as a first half mauling on Saturday at the hands of Celtic, Inverness Caledonian Thistle have the chance to atone quickly with this League Cup tie at Arbroath.

The Red Lichties, however, will be no pushover at Gayfield. Top of Division 2, the come into this game off the back of a fine win against Alloa and will approach the game with all the confidence that former ICT legend Paul Sheerin can muster. They are scoring freely right now, their last home game being a 4-2 win against Ayr United. Tony Bullock will play in goal, ahead of the wonderfully named David Banjo but Arbroath will be without Rennie, who was sent off against Alloa. Brian Kerr and Alex Keddie are both well known to Inverness fans and should play.

Inverness come into this game with a point to prove. A bright start to the season, with points against Hearts, Kilmarnock and St. Mirren was rudely interrupted by Celtic on Saturday. The pace and power of the SPL champions was an eye opener for our defence and they will be thankful that it will not be replicated on the east coast on Wednesday. The selection dilemma for Terry Butcher in this game is whether we shuffle the pack to give youth a fling, or give another run out to our strongest side who need more game time to gel and acclimatise fully to the Scottish game. One dilemma Butcher won’t have is over Nick Ross. A heavy landing on Saturday has resulted in a dislocated shoulder and he will be out of action for a few weeks. Owain Tudur Jones may return after suspension.

Terry Butcher will be wary of this game, especially after last year’s loss to Ayr United at a similar stage in the cup and he will be keen to deliver a cup run for a side and a support that are hungry for success. Gayfield is a fine wee ground, backing on to the North Sea and there is much to recommend Arbroath, not least the famous “smokie”. Caley Jags together are running a bus to this game (details on CaleyThistleOnline) so if you fancy a midweek jaunt, this may be the one for you.