Richie Foran says a "must-win" Highland derby lies ahead for Caley Thistle
TOMORROW’S Highland derby is do-or-die for Caley Thistle, according to influential captain Richie Foran.
After a run of seven games without a win, five of those in the league, confidence is low and the club’s hopes of reaching the top six hang by a thread.
However Foran, who played his first 90 minutes in nearly two years on Wednesday night, has challenged players to come out of their shells to avoid the season becoming a failure.
The defeat to Hibernian in their Scottish Cup quarter-final replay in midweek leaves the Premiership as the sole challenge for the Caley Jags, who last tasted victory against Aberdeen on February 15. Given the recent results of both sides, County head into the game as favourites for the first time in recent memory.
Losing this game is simply not an option for Foran, who still believes his side have what it takes to claim a place in the top six. But time is running out.
“We’ve got to do our talking on the park and get the three valuable points we need. It is by far the biggest derby I’ve been involved in,” he said.
“It’s a huge game and a must-win game for us. A win will push us closer – Ross County would be in a very comfortable position if they won.
“There’s maybe a few players lacking confidence but the only way you can get that back is by playing well and winning games. Don’t go into your shell. Get out of that zone, get into a confident place and start doing your talking on the park.
“Our season isn’t a failure but it can turn out to be. We need to go win four or five games or else it might be a failure.”
Morale in both camps will be at opposite ends of the spectrum; County are on a massive high after winning their first major trophy less than a week ago while Caley Thistle, who understand the euphoria that comes with cup success, will be desperate for a lift.
Foran has respect for the work done at the Dingwall club, which in his eyes builds on Caley Thistle’s championing of the Highland region in their Scottish Cup run last season. County have the small matter of a parade after the game too which may give tomorrow’s visitors a little more incentive to step up and play party-pooper.
“Credit to Ross County for winning the League Cup. They’ve done the Highlands proud like we did with the Scottish Cup last year. They deserved it,” said Foran. “But we’ve got to go there and spoil their party. We need to get three points out of the game.
“Some players might want that incentive but I have the same attitude every game. I’m sure it will be mentioned but they won’t want to lose the game. They’ve got their party sorted afterwards and good on them.”
The defeat to the Hibees hurt Foran, who did not miss the feeling of being part of a losing team. His last start came against Dundee United on March 26 2014 and after finally overcoming his battle with a series of knee injuries, he has issued a rallying call to his team-mates.
“We’ve got to be clever and got to be leaders. It’s not just up to me and Gary Warren – we need 11 if we’re going to finish in the top six, which we’re still capable of. If we’re tighter at the back and bring that second half performance against Hibs into games, we’ll finish strongly,” said the 35-year-old.
“90 per cent of footballers need confidence otherwise they’ll have poor games. No player hid against Hibs – sometimes you get players that will hide and step away when you try to pass to them.
“I pride myself on my fitness and look after myself on and off the park. It hasn’t surprised me as I’ve been very fit all my life. Adrenaline gets you through.
“We all got a lift when we scored and when your team plays well you feel like you can play two games. If they’re not, your legs are gone after half an hour. Hopefully I’ve done enough to convince the manager I’m part of his plans but I’ve got to keep battling for that jersey.”