BARRY WILSON played in a lower league Inverness team which stunned Celtic and Scottish football back in 2000.

The former midfielder, arguably the Highland club’s finest servant because of two fine spells, is sad to report that he fears Caley Thistle are heading out of the Premiership and to where they once came after Saturday's trip to Parkhead which wasn’t as successful as the one made 17 years ago.

The Scottish Cup is, of course, not even close to priority for Inverness right now just two seasons after the team, under John Hughes, won the trophy. Survival means a hell of a lot more than silverware these days.

Which makes the recent comments by Richie Foran, which stated that his side, utterly outplayed in a 6-0 win in Glasgow,is better than the one Wilson made his name in, rather odd.

On Saturday’s evidence, it’s unclear which of today’s players would make the team from back in the day.

Inverness weren’t so much humbled than utterly humped by Celtic and with a trip to Tynecastle this weekend, before meeting both sides of the Old Firm, the team bottom of the league and three points behind Hamilton who sit directly above them.

Wilson admitted to being concerned that the manner of the loss could further dampen their fragile confidence.

"A lot of people think that the pressure is off and you can go and relax and play, no-one expects you to win,” said Wilson who played almost 300 games for the club through all the divisions.

“And while that can be absolutely true, there is a manner and a way to lose a game of football, and after that Celtic game there could well have repercussions with regards to confidence.

"You just worry now about the effect that will have on them on in the coming weeks because there’s three huge games coming up for Inverness against Hearts, Rangers and then Celtic. Somehow, and in some way, they’ve got to keep in touch after those three games."

Wilson scored in Inverness' famous 3-1 Scottish Cup win at Celtic in 2000 and insists that side was a more accomplished one than the current crop, who are without a league win since October.

Foran could point to the fact his squad are in the top tier; however, they do lack character and the team put together by Steve Paterson certainly had plenty of that.

"I was speaking to Paul Sheerin and he was another one that maybe didn’t quite agree with Richie’s statement - I certainly didn’t,” said Wilson. "I look through the current team at the minute who are languishing at the bottom of the league.

"Yes, there is a big gap between Celtic now and Celtic then - that’s fine. But, to be honest, there are not many of that first eleven right now that I would replace in the team from 2000. Boys like Bobby Mann, Dennis Wyness, Paul Sheerin; strong characters as well like Ross Tokely and Stuart Golebek.

"I didn’t quite agree with Richie with that statement.”