Head coach says play-off spot remains Inverness Caley Thistle's top priority as they prepare for Dundee
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Billy Dodds is not ruling out a title tilt, and he knows how important finishing at least second could prove to Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s promotion chances – but he maintains that the priority is simply securing a place in the play-offs.
League leaders Dundee come to the Highland capital tomorrow afternoon, and if Inverness win they will move one point behind their opponents.
Queen’s Park tonight could put an extra spanner in the works as far as Caley Thistle’s chances of a top-two finish go, but while it is easy to look up the table Dodds is conscious that nothing is secured just yet.
Partick Thistle and Ayr United are still within touching distance behind ICT.
So while it is very tempting to wonder what could be in the final weeks of the regular 2022/23 season, Dodds is staying level-headed by saying his Caley Jags must ensure they finish inside the Championship’s top four – and anything past that would simply be a bonus.
“I think it would be very helpful if we could (finish second),” Dodds reasoned.
“I would still take the play-offs, but I have thought about having fewer games to play because we’ve had some run.
“It can catch up with you because it’s a lot of work, but my players have got the right mindset to get through it.
“I don’t want them to falter at all. I would take the play-offs, but if we finish second it would be some achievement given where we’ve been plus it would be some games less.
“You can look at all the permuations and see who’s playing who, but we’ve just got to do our own job to be absolutely sure.
“You don’t know what that might bring you. I would like to apply a bit of pressure to the top as well, because that can do weird and wonderful things – especially in this league and this division.
“I think four points would see us in the play-offs, but this league is crazy – I can’t guarantee anything. We’ve got to make sure we at least win one, and two out of two would be brilliant.”
