Inverness Caley Thistle warn fans injury-hit side means 'youth team' will be fielded in Hamilton cup tie

Inverness Caledonian Thistle have warned fans considering making the trip to Hamilton Academical for the SPFL Trust Trophy tie that the side will field what is essentially a “youth team” due to a number of injuries in the squad.

Billy Dodds’ side face the Accies twice in the space of seven days at the Fountain of Youth Stadium – a round trip of 340 miles – but the club has said it is “only fair” to let supporters know of their intentions prior to the journey.

The club cited a “lack of SPFL assistance” on the arranging of the fixture.

Caley, who sit sixth in the Scottish Championship, describe their current injury situation as “unprecedented,” adding that many of the squad making the trip this weekend are “still at school”.

Members of the under-18 squad will make up the bulk of the travelling party, a statement said.

It added: “As the ticket prices for our away SPFL Trust cup tie v Hamilton are announced, the club feels that it is only fair to let Caley Thistle fans know that because of our continued unprecedented injury situation and the lack of assistance we applied for via the proper channels at the SPFL, the club will have no choice but to play a team in this tie which will not include many of our current first team squad.

“While we will obviously welcome support for the boys, this in effect will mean our U18 squad, many of whom are still at school will play the game, and we believe that it is only fair that our supporters know this in advance of purchasing tickets and planning a round trip journey of six hours plus and over 300 miles, which we do of course face again the following week in the league match at Hamilton.

“We have spoken to Hamilton in advance of the ticket announcement to explain our situation which is in no way a reflection of anything else other than our injury situation.”