Ross County boss Jim McIntyre admits he is destined to see Highland rivals Inverness fight their way out of relegation trouble - but only after Friday night's derby showdown.

Caley Thistle are in deep trouble, five points adrift at the bottom of the Ladbrokes Premiership table.

But McIntyre enjoys the local scraps with Richie Foran's side and is keeping his fingers crossed they can mount a survival bid.

However, he will only take up a cheerleading role once the two teams' fourth and final encounter of the season is checked off the fixture list.

The Staggies boss said: "That rivalry is crucial. We want both teams in the Premiership, we want the derby every season as they are great games to look forward to.

"They are always the first game you look for when the fixtures are announced.

"These are the games players want to be involved in, the games that fans love to watch.

"Hopefully we will pick up the points on Friday night but Inverness then go on and get the ones they require too."

County are by no means safe themselves, with just a three-point lead over Dundee in the relegation play-off spot.

But McIntyre wants his men to keep their thoughts on Inverness and not their league position.

"The aim is to be the best of the rest and pick up as many points as we can," he said. "Hopefully we can start that on Friday.

"It's important we just play the game and not worry about what stage of the season it's at.

"It's still the same players facing each other and that is something we've got to concentrate on.

"We've got to make sure we focus on doing what we do well. If we can get our tactics spot on then we've got a chance of beating any team."