Inverness CT V Hamilton at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium : Match Preview

05 May 2017 04:34

Inverness striker Henri Anier vows to fight to the end in relegation battle

Inverness striker Henri Anier vowed to fight to the end as Caley Thistle aim to avert relegation.

Caley Thistle have conceded 11 goals in their last three games and slipped seven points adrift with four matches left.

They could be relegated on Saturday if they lose at home to Hamilton and both Motherwell and Dundee win later in the day.

Richie Foran's side have only won once in 23 Ladbrokes Premiership matches but Anier has not given up hope.

"Obviously, it's a tough situation we're in," Anier said. "We know that.

"We need to keep the heads up and be positive. There is still hope - there's a slight chance.

"We have four games to go. We'll focus on the next one. When there is a slight chance, we fight to the end."

The Estonian, who suffered relegation with Dundee United last season, added: "We are positive. We are ready to fight and we need to do it now. We've been speaking about it for weeks and weeks.

"It's a game of football. and while there's a slight chance, we keep fighting."

Defender Gary Warren returns from suspension but goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams remains out with a groin injury.

Liam Polworth is suspended while Carl Tremarco, Aaron Doran and Josh Meekings are also sidelined by knee injuries.

Meanwhile, Hamilton midfielder Dougie Imrie knows he cannot allow sentiment to surface against his former club.

The 33-year-old was relegated from the top flight with the Highlanders in 2009 following a dramatic last-day 1-0 home defeat by Falkirk.

However, he was also sent down with Accies in 2011 and in his second spell with the Lanarkshire club is desperate to avoid the same fate.

Imrie said: "It is not a nice position for Inverness to be in, I have been there before with them.

"On that day it was in our own hands. We just needed to draw on the last day of the season but all credit to Falkirk, they won the game 1-0 to stay up.

"They were two points behind us so all the pressure was on them. I have been there before with Hamilton as well, so I know how it is.

"I am disappointed to see Inverness there because it is a nice club and a lovely place to stay.

"Obviously they have not had a great season but I am at Hamilton now so I can only do my best for Hamilton and whatever happens, happens.

"It is one of those things in football, the way it has come around this year. We have to take care of the game for ourselves."

Midfielder Darian MacKinnon and defender Giannis Skondras are back from suspension, while midfielder Grant Gillespie returns to the squad after being out with an ankle injury.


Source: PAR