John Hughes hopes Inverness learn from Aberdeen

ICT manager John Hughes during his team's game against Aberdeen. Picture: SNS

Aberdeen did the ugly side of the game well at the Caledonian Stadium, repelling Caley and closing off attacking avenues.

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Peter Pawlett scored the only goal of the game in the first half, turning home a Niall McGinn cross to condemn Inverness to their third consecutive defeat.

It has not damaged the club’s standing in the league, however, with Inverness still in touching distance of the top three. Dundee United and Hamilton Accies both lost at the weekend, meaning the Highland Capital club are not worse off because of the loss.

Hughes however wants his side to learn something from the Dons to ensure they stop the slide.

“I’ve seen them a few times this season when they’ve been free-flowing, but they showed they know how to be dogged and resolute too,” he said.

“They have that know-how about them. We are gung-ho and cavalier and maybe need to learn to be more street-wise.”

He added that the New Year’s Day derby against Ross County presents an ideal opportunity to get back to winning ways.

“We’re more than capable because Aberdeen wasn’t a bad performance. It’s a test of character and what can be better than going up to Dingwall and getting back to winning ways,” said Hughes.

The positive result for Aberdeen cuts Celtic’s lead atop the Scottish Premiership to just two points, following their draw with County on Saturday.

Much has been made of Derek McInnes’ side launching a credible title challenge to the Bhoys, but the Dons manager insists it is not something that has crossed his mind.

“The season now is 20 games. We’ve got a lot of confidence and momentum about us at the moment but it’s up for others to allude to something better than this,” he said.

“It’s just a professional approach from myself and the players. That hard work and professionalism is getting results but no one is getting carried away with themselves.

“The slap in the face can be just round the corner.”

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