Billy Dodds hails "special" Inverness Caledonian Thistle side as Kilmarnock win seals Scottish Cup semi final place
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Billy Dodds described his players as special after they came from behind to win 2–1 against Kilmarnock and book a place in the semi finals of this season's Scottish Cup.
Kyle Vassell's opening goal just three minutes into the match could have been a kick in the teeth for Inverness Caledonian Thistle, but they fought back in style.
The Caley Jags had several chances to score in the first half in response, but eventually levelled the scores through Billy Mckay from the penalty spot.
While they may have expected Killie to come back swinging after the restart, it was instead Championship outfit ICT who claimed the winner courtesy of Sean Welsh.
It was the second week in-a-row Inverness had come from behind to win, but with the stakes so high with a trip to Hampden at stake, Dodds was left in no doubt of the scale of the achievement this time around.
"There were times where I stood off the game and said we're playing well," Dodds said.
"We worked ever so hard, got close to Kilmarnock and forced them into some long balls.
"We created some wonderful chances. I would have loved it to have been easier – a two-goal lead going into the last couple of minutes. I knew Derek (McInnes)'s team would throw everything at us but I felt calm. I was comfortable with my players.
"After going a goal down again, from a set-piece, I had warned them about it but I have always said they're a special bunch. They always find a way and they did again tonight."
A boost on and off the pitch
With much having been said lately about Caley Thistle's financial situation, making it into the latter stages of the Scottish Cup will be a big help.
Dodds had acknowledged before the Kilmarnock match that it would be a benefit to them if a trip to Hampden became a reality, but he was keen for his players to focus on on-field matters for the time being at least.
Now that they can dream about a semi final clash at the end of next month, Dodds believes Inverness are the side every team will want to draw.
“I said we’d love to help but I didn’t want to burden the players with it and it will certainly help on that front," Dodds added.
“I know the figure that came out, but I don’t know what the finances are – but it will certainly help them.
“I had a hug with the chairman afterwards, it was his birthday. I told him to enjoy the Livingston game and then I told him to enjoy tonight – and I’ll tell him to enjoy the semi now too.
“I don’t know if the semis are still pooled so it doesn’t matter about getting a money-spinner. There’s a route there to get to the final but Ayr or Falkirk will want us too."
