sport

Butcher predicts goalfest

Inverness manager Terry Butcher expects another high-scoring encounter when his team meet fellow Old Firm conquerors Kilmarnock at Rugby Park.

The two Ayrshire meetings between the teams last season produced a total of 16 goals and Caley Thistle continued their impressive form in front of goal with a 3-0 Scottish Communities League Cup win over Rangers on Wednesday.

Inverness are the SPL's top scorers with 23 goals and have found the net in all 14 of their games in all competitions this season.

But Kenny Shiels' Kilmarnock team are also on a high after beating SPL champions Celtic 2-0 at Parkhead last week.

Butcher said: "We certainly enjoy going there. Kilmarnock give you a chance to play and there's always plenty of goals.

"It's a good test because they have had a great result at Parkhead. It's ironic that the two teams who beat the Old Firm in a week face each other."

Butcher added: "The last 30 matches between the teams have produced no 0-0 draws.

"I don't think Kenny Shiels or myself will be going out for a 0-0 draw the way both teams play and set up with the philosophy of trying to score more goals than the opposition.

"Last year unfortunately one of our supporters passed away at the match. We lost 4-3 and Jonny Hayes was sent off and Dean Shiels scored a hat-trick so there was plenty going on.

"The 6-3 game is the one we remember.

"The way both sides set out to attack and score goals is a credit to both clubs."

Butcher is still revelling in his side's Ibrox triumph.

"It's a lovely feeling walking around the city getting my messages and a lot of people are congratulating me," the former England captain said.

"It's a wonderful feeling and we have got a semi-final in January to look forward to.

"But we can put that to bed and concentrate on Kilmarnock.

"The lads are fresh and feel nice and healthy, when you reach a semi-final it gets rid of the tiredness very quickly."

On-loan striker Philip Roberts is due to return to Arsenal before the semi-final but he revealed he would be open to extending his stay.

"I definitely want to be part of that day but I don't know what's going to happen in January yet," he said.

"Me and the gaffer have spoken but we are taking things slowly and seeing what's best for me and the club.

"I wouldn't mind sticking around until then but it's still got to be sorted by the two clubs."