Inverness Athletic manager Stuart Ross insists anything can happen ahead of underdog appearance in Football Times Cup final against Invergordon
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Stuart Ross says Inverness Athletic have the bit between their teeth going into Saturday's Football Times Cup final against Invergordon.
On paper, Athletic will be the underdogs against a side whose trophy cabinet is filled with silverware from recent years – including this very trophy from last season.
Ross' side, though, have earned their way into the showcase for the first time in a handful of years, so the excitement is palpable as kick off approaches.
"The excitement levels are through the roof," Ross explained.
"You can tell in training that the boys have got their game face on, so to speak, so everyone's really excited about it.
"Invergordon are serial winners when it comes to this league and the cups, but it's a one-off game and anything can happen.
"It's just about the boys turning up with the right mentality, and you see in worldwide football that anything is possible in a one-off game.
"Winning would help our reputation. We're always striving to finish as high as we can – and if we can win some cups along the way, fantastic.
"That helps the club grow, because it attracts a different level of player. It would be massive for the club really, so it's a big week."
It is only Ross' second season in charge at Athletic, and making such progress as to be battling it out for silverware means he is ahead of schedule for the project he took on last year.
"When we came in, there was already a good foundation that had been built by the club and previous manager," he reasoned.
"We had a good nucleus of players, but it was a very young squad so we had to recruit a few experienced heads to balance the squad.
"When we first came in, we set a five year plan: be competitive in the league and try to finish higher every year.
"We also wanted to make a cup final within the first three years. We've done that in the first two, which is great, but once you get this far you have to go on and push the extra mile to try and bring the trophy home.
"To reach a cup final in our second season is particularly pleasing."
Nathan Grant and Reece Shaw are long-term injury concerns, and will miss out on Saturday's showcase.
While Athletic and Invergordon battle for silverware, Loch Ness will look to return to the top of the North Caledonian League with a win against Alness United.
Clach A host Fort William, while other games see Halkirk United battle Orkney, Golspie Sutherland travel to Thurso and Bonar Bridge take on St Duthus.
