Butcher eyes cup quarter-final

ICT

TERRY Butcher aims to show Saturday's Scottish Cup opponents Morton respect by fielding a strong side as he eyes the last eight.

The Caley Thistle manager knows the Irn Bru Division One visitors for this fifth round tie are in fine form, having pulled away from danger by going six games unbeaten.

ICT edged into this round with two last-gasp goals against Elgin.

Butcher knows Morton could cause the Inverness team trouble if treated lightly as the quarter-finals lies within reach for the winners.

He said: "Morton were 1-0 down against Ross County on Saturday and came back well to win 2-1.

"They struggled a little bit in their first game against Airdrie in the last round of the cup (a 2-2 draw) before fighting back and winning the replay 5-2, so there's a lot of resilience in their team.

"We had four very difficult games against Morton (in Division One) last year. Nick Ross scored the winner here against them, but they had played very well.

"They are a big, strong side and they have many experienced players.

"However, we have home advantage and we want to progress. I won't be fielding a weaker side - we have to give Morton great respect.

"We'll put out a strong side because we want to be in the quarter-finals.

"When Maurice (Malpas) and I arrived here two years ago, the team had already beaten Partick and then we got through into the quarters by beating Kilmarnock before losing to Falkirk, who then went on to the final, so it's there for us if we want it."

He added: "However, we have to have the organisation, desire, application and the hunger to get through."

Grant Munro, who is serving a three-game SPL suspension, is available for Saturday's tie.

Ross Tokely, meanwhile, has a one-match ban looming, a week on Saturday away to St Mirren in the SPL.