Billy McKay is looking forward to a tough game in the first Highland derby of the season against Ross County this Sunday. There may be 10 places between them in the Premiership table, but striker McKay believes the momentum is with the visitors after they recorded their first win of the season last weekend. The same day County got off the mark with a 2-1 home win over Dundee, Caley Thistle lost by the odd goal in five to Aberdeen at Pittodrie.
McKay, who was top-scorer for the club (22) goals last season, said: "We can't wait. We have had good success in the derbies before and the atmosphere is brilliant and everyone is raring to go. We started a bit better than County this season but they got their first win last week so we're looking forward to the game and get back on track after our disappointing result last week. We need to get on a run again. County beat Dundee last week and we lost so you could say that they have the momentum but this was just a blip. We've had them before and come back with a victory so we'll be looking to do that again."
However, new County manager Jim McIntyre is looking for his side to inflict further misery on Caley. The former Queen of the South manager was delighted with his team's success last weekend and is looking for them to kick on as they bid for their first derby victory in three games. He said: "It has been a real shot in the arm for the confidence levels and it's the monkey off our backs, no doubt. It's exactly what we were looking to do which sets it up nicely for the weekend. Obviously you want to get into the pack and pick up some more points. That's the short-term goal. The long-term is to make sure we retain our status in the league. Then going forward it is like any provincial club, you want to improve your status year on year and also you are always looking to try and get a good cup run."