Preview: ICT v Aberdeen

Another international break stumbles to a close for us long suffering Scottish fans, and SPL football returns to these parts with the visit of our former landlords, Aberdeen.

Both sides were under represented on the international scene, especially Aberdeen. The not so recent past that their support still remembers fondly saw a plethora of stars at Pittodrie, but no more. In fact the brightest of the lot this week has been our Aaron Doran. Two goals of real quality against Italy (yes, Italy) in Italy in a 4-2 win for Ireland under 21’s underscores his ability. Take a bow, Aaron.

There was a time when Inverness could not buy a win against Aberdeen, but that powerbase in the North has shifted. Three points ahead in the league at this point, we have traded close results in recent games. The odd goal tends to win this one, and therein lies the mystery for Saturday – Aberdeen have been reluctant to find the net this year, and Inverness have been obliging in defence up to this point. Will the low scoring finally stop? Terry Butcher was adamant after the Motherwell game that his defence needed to improve, and it will need to if it is to handle the threat of Vernon and Hayes for the visitors.

For what seems the first time in ages, Terry Butcher has a full squad to pick from apart from Chris Hogg who continues with his rehabilitation. The news front is quiet, reflecting a quiet determination within the ICT camp that Saturday will bring victory. No suspensions cloud the horizon and the majority of players will be raring to go after a week’s break, especially as a run of important games loom including the first Highland SPL derby and the chance to progress in the League Cup. A win on Saturday would be a welcome start to this sequence, and hopes are high. This game usually attracts a good vocal support from both sets of supporters, so make sure that you are one of them and get down to Tulloch Caledonian Stadium on Saturday and make yourself heard!

Injury Update:  Simon King is still fighting to be fit for this one and Terry is leaving the door open for him to be included if he makes it.  Nick Ross's surgery went well and is now on the road to recorver, and Chris Hogg continues to make positive progress on his road to recovery.