JOHN Rankin believes Inverness Caledonian Thistle can only prosper under John Robertson, because his former gaffer’s enthusiasm for football is infectious. Rankin, one of the coaches for tomorrow’s PFA Scotland exit trials match at Broadwood, worked under Robertson and Donald Park during a spell at Ross County, where he also became a valuable sounding board for Rankin’s first steps into coaching. The two men will be competitors in next season’s Championship but Rankin has already sent a congratulatory text message after he was the surprise choice to replace Richie Foran in the Caledonian Stadium hotseat.

“Robbo was my mentor,” said the Queen of the South midfielder. “I would go in and take my session, then he would come in and say I maybe needed to alter this or that, change something to see if it worked better. Obviously he’s enthusiastic. But his points were always good. I had him at Ross County as a manager and he’s a great football man with a great football brain. It was great to be able to bounce your ideas off a guy with his experience in the game.

“Am I surprised [by the appointment]?” he asked. “Aye and no. Everyone overlooks older managers and goes for the younger guys. But, for the success he had before, I’m not surprised that Inverness have gone for him. He took the Hearts team that played Dundee United in the Sean Dillon testimonial, so he’s always been there. Somebody like Robbo, with the enthusiasm he has, he was sorely missed from the front line of the game – and I’m sure he’ll make Caley Thistle successful again.

“He’s certainly a guy who can lift spirits. Barry Wilson told me Robbo had got the job, so I texted Robbo. I just said: “Good luck, thanks for all you’ve done and all the advice you’ve given me.” He texted me back saying: “Always here, pal. A Robbo is for life, not just for Christmas!” That’s just the way he is, an infectious character. I can only give Robbo the biggest compliment you can give any coach. Every session was fun. There was a fun factor and you loved going into training, knowing you were going to have a laugh. Don’t get me wrong, it was hard, hard work. But I don’t know how he managed it – everything he turned into fun. He’ll bring the good times back to Caley Thistle.”