Dundee United assistant manager Gordon Young said he was “delighted” for the players who salvaged some professional pride in Inverness with a 3-2 win.
The relegated Tangerines went 3-0 up against Caley Thistle thanks to a Simon Murray double and a strike from Edward Ofere before they started to look vulnerable.
They lost a goal a minute after Ofere found the net then Liam Polworth pounced for ICT to make it a frantic finale.
Just to add to the drama, United had defender Callum Morris sent off with 12 minutes to go.
However, they hung on and Young – taking the team in the wake of Mixu Paatelainen’s sacking – said: “I was delighted for the players.
“They were the ones who put their bodies on the line.
“I have absolutely no doubts about playing them.
“I told them before the game their job descriptions were they are professional players.
“They had a job to do.
“Every time they go out they are obliged to try to win.
“Whether it’s professional pride, for their families, for a move, or to show the club they should be considered again, it is whatever motivates them.
“I think we got some kind of answer.
“It’s been a horrible week, absolutely horrible.
“We have had the indignity of relegation at Dundee and the uncertainty around the club afterwards.
“Sometimes these things are written in the stars in football.
“It’s been that kind of season and this game summed it up.
“We took the lead again and nearly lost it.
“I think we’ve lost 30 points from winning positions this season but this time they dug in.
“Even look at 3-0, the game management to go the next five minutes and take the game away from the opposition.
“But we opened the door and put ourselves under more pressure.”
Young was asked what the future holds for him.
He added: “I don’t know.
“I’ve been asked to take the team until the end of the season and I’ll crack on with that.”
