Dundee United manager Peter Houston says he was always convinced Inverness Caley Thistle would get better.
The Highlanders had looked to be toiling after going six games without a win but latterly they have beaten Kilmarnock and drawn with Hearts.
Suffering from the loss of star striker Adam Rooney, they added to their squad before the transfer window closed, with the likes of David Davis and Aiden Chippendale coming from England on loan.
Houston has seen enough of ICT manager Terry Butcher and his players to know they would eventually sort themselves out.
”I watched Inverness against Motherwell at the start of the season and they lost 3-0. But the number of chances they created was unbelievable so I always expected them to improve,” said Houston.
”I spoke to Terry after that game and he said that by the end of the transfer window he would have his squad looking much different. He has been able to do that and by all accounts they dominated Hearts last weekend.
”Terry has brought a few players in and had used the loan system really well. He has a wealth of contacts in England and has been able to use that over the years to bring good players to Inverness.
”We never get it easy against them and this one will be no different. But if we get a performance like we did last Saturday against Rangers with 11 men this time then I will be happy.”
Johnny Russell’s red card picked up against the Ibrox men rules him out on Saturday, leaving United’s own loan star Lauri Dalla Valle with added striking responsibilities.
The Finn has started two matches since his arrival and has impressed, although Houston is aware playing at SPL level is a learning experience.
”Lauri has come up here and found himself against two international players in the Rangers defence last weekend,” said Houston. ”It was probably an eye-opener for him but he is here to learn how to play in those big games and prove to Fulham he can make it in the Premiership.”
Meanwhile, United are still negotiating with midfielder Scott Allan over a possible new deal.
Houston is happy to wait for an answer, saying: ”We have made Scotty an offer but these things take time and we’re not rushing it.”