Hearts v Inverness ‘nerve-wracking’ for Butcher

Butcher has made no secret of his desire to see Inverness dump Hearts out. Picture: Phil Wilkinson

Butcher led the Highlanders, who have never reached a major cup final, to the same stage last term, but suffered a “painful” defeat on penalties against the Jambos.

He left to join the Hibees in November, denying himself the opportunity to have another crack at making history with Caley this season.

Butcher has made no secret of his desire to see Inverness gain a measure of revenge by dumping Hearts out of the competition. However, he will not be putting himself through the wringer by attending the match, despite it taking place at his own home ground.

“I’ll be staying away from that one, but that’s just a personal choice for me,” explained Butcher. “I don’t want to be there. I think it can be pretty nerve-wracking if you are watching the game [in person] and want a particular team to win – which I very much do.

“It’s a Sunday and we normally do things together as a family on a Sunday. I’ll be watching it on television with some roast beef more than anything else, but I certainly wish my old team all the best!

“I was in that position last year and, unfortunately, we lost to Hearts and that was a painful experience. I really hope they go one better and get to the final, that’s for sure.”