Former Caley Thistle midfielder Barry Wilson says lifting the Scottish Cup would complete his former club’s remarkable 21-year journey.
Inverness take on Championship side Falkirk in the final at Hampden Park and are clear favourites to win the club’s first major silverware since its formation in 1994.
John Hughes’ players have already created history this season on two counts, finishing third in the Premiership to record the club’s highest league finish, qualifying for Europe for the first time.
Wilson, 43,hopes Caley Jags can cap off a memorable campaign by defeating the Bairns but reckons it would be difficult for the club to surpass its achievements of this season.
Wilson said: “Inverness have been challenging for third for a few years and they’ve now achieved it with some style. If they can round it off with a bit of silverware that would probably complete the journey.
“When I played for Livingston we finished third behind strong Celtic and Rangers teams. However, that was about as much as we could do. It will be a new experience for the players, and the club, going into the final as such heavy favourites. It’s just about unheard of.
“However, Inverness are there on merit, having beaten three Premiership clubs on their way to the final. They have earned it. On the other hand, Falkirk haven’t played any top-flight teams to get there.
“The club has a reputation in the Scottish Cup. That probably started in 1996 when as a Third Division side Caley Jags got through to the quarter-finals, where they lost 3-0 against Rangers.
“From then there was obviously the 3-1 win against Celtic in 2000 and the win against them again three years later.
“The club made the semi-finals in both 2003 and 2004, when Inverness were in the First Division.
“It would be good to finish that off with a bit of silverware.”
Wilson left his position as Elgin City manager last November and earns a livelihood from running a newsagent in Dingwall.