Hearts hurt can inspire Inverness Caledonian Thistle, says defender Robbie Deas
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ROBBIE Deas is relishing Sunday’s live televised Tynecastle visit as a chance to gain some revenge for three defeats last season.
Caley Thistle, fresh from League Cup disappointments against Stirling Albion and Cove Rangers, hope to draw on a morale-boosting performance before kicking off their league campaign at Arbroath.
But Deas is confident a desire to make amends for last season’s winless run against Championship winners Hearts, will also drive the Inverness team on.
Caley Thistle have lost their last five trips to Gorgie and not won in nine, dating back to Billy Mckay’s match-winning double in 2013.
The final game of an ill-fated qualifying group is certainly one that inspires young defender Deas.
“We all know we weren’t good enough on Tuesday. We’ve spoken about it as a team, and with the manager,” the 21-year-old former Celtic youth said.
“The gaffer has had his say, and we are working on different aspects in training. We know Sunday will be a step up, a very competitive game.
“Last season, we didn’t manage to beat Hearts at all, and I think, as a team, that hurt us. We’re due them a good game and we couldn’t really ask for a better match before the league starts – Hearts at Tynecastle with some fans in.
“It is perfect preparation for Arbroath. If we go there and be competitive there is no doubt in my mind we’ll do well.”
Deas is aware of criticism that followed the Cove performance, but is confident better lies in store. It was his first 90 minutes of the campaign after recovering from a back injury.
“I was delighted to come through it even though, in terms of performance, we were nowhere near it. It is all about the first league game of the season now, but Sunday is massive as it is an opportunity to go and put on a show.”
