Roddy MacGregor expects a tough test from Championship newcomers Cove Rangers as Inverness Caley Thistle look to seal spot in second round of Premier Sports Cup
Roddy MacGregor needs no warning of what Cove Rangers are capable of as the League One champions head to the Highlands today.
The 20-year-old midfielder came off the bench last season as Cove beat Caley Thistle 3–1 in the League Cup group stage.
Today, the two sides will meet again at the same point of the same competition, only this time Inverness only need a point to ensure they finish top of the group.
With Cove proving their credentials by earning promotion to this season's Championship, MacGregor knows it will be a tough test, but he believes ICT are in a strong position to get over the line and into the next round.
"We're in a good position in the group, so it's in our hands to go on and win it and that's exactly what we're looking to do," he said.
"We've had some great results and the performances have also been good.
"The Livi game was a different kind of test for us, but we came through that with the win. Everyone is delighted with the performances so far.
"This will be a good test to see where we're at against one of our league opponents, and we will get a close look at Cove.
"Cove beat us in last year's League Cup and it was a tough game. We know how good a side they can be and they've just won League One.
"It's going to be a really tough game on Saturday and when they face us in the league. They have got really good players and we will have to be at our best to get anything from the game."
Building momentum for the start of the Championship
On paper, three wins out of three so far is ideal preparation for the Caley Jags ahead of the start of the Championship next week.
However, reality does not always work like that. Last season, Inverness lost to Cove and also fell short in a penalty shoot-out against Stirling Albion in the League Cup groups, then went on to win six of their first seven league matches.
Still, getting into a winning habit is useful even if not the be all and end all at this stage of the season, and MacGregor believes the lessons learned from the 2021/22 campaign coupled with ICT's current form bodes well.
"Momentum is important coming towards the league games, but it doesn't always translate into how the league will go," he reasoned.
"In previous seasons, we've not done so well in the League Cup, but started well in the league, so you just don't know.
"On the back of last season, we know we're a really good team and we have the belief.
"On our day, if we're at it, we can beat most teams. Maybe the group going so well is partly down to belief and how well our pre-season has gone.
"Everyone is really happy with the start we've made. After last year we feel we're more than capable of going all the way.
"We will learn from our mistakes and aim to be more consistent throughout the whole season this time. Hopefully that will stand us in good stead."