Inverness manager Terry Butcher believes Derek McInnes could emulate the success of his St Johnstone predecessor Owen Coyle, but first hopes to claim revenge against the Perth side on Saturday.
McInnes was appointed St Johnstone boss after Coyle left for Burnley, where he secured promotion to the Barclays Premier League before taking charge of Bolton. He has been linked with numerous positions in England, including recent vacancies at Burnley and West Brom, but so far has stayed at McDiarmid Park.
Ahead of Saturday's match at the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, Butcher said: "Derek's a terrific young manager and no wonder he's being courted down south. Owen Coyle came from St Johnstone and Derek could follow along the same lines."
Saints inflicted Caley Thistle's first league defeat away from home for more than a year when Collin Samuel netted a late winner at McDiarmid Park on January 2.
In the five Clydesdale Bank Premier League matches since, Inverness have recorded three draws and two defeats, while winning two Scottish Cup clashes against lower league opposition.
Butcher, whose side are without a league victory since November, added: "It would be nice to get revenge and because they're one of our rivals for the top six it would be nice to put a bit of daylight between ourselves and them as well.
"They're very strong, very determined, very resilient. They've got experienced players throughout the spine of their team and that little bit of flair as well that can provide goals.
"We haven't managed to get the better of them and it would be nice on Saturday to do that.
"We feel we're overdue a win and three points is there for us if we can apply ourselves properly."
Source: PA
Source: PA