A late goal from substitute Ryan Christie ensured Inverness regained second spot in the Premiership table as they came from behind to defeat Dundee at Dens Park.

Christie struck for John Hughes' side with just two minutes left to complete their second-half comeback after Billy McKay had equalised in 56 minutes to cancel out Greg Stewart's first-half opener for the hosts.

It means Caley Thistle are now one point above Dundee United, who beat Ross County on Friday night, and three behind league leaders Celtic approaching the festive period.

Dundee were first to threaten after five minutes. Midfielder Jim McAlister caught a glimpse of goal and saw his shot from 25 yards go over Dean Brill's crossbar.

At the other end, Inverness came close to making the breakthrough on 10 minutes. Greg Tansey's in-swinging corner picked out Josh Meekings, whose powerful header from 10 yards came back off the bar with Dundee keeper Scott Bain beaten.

After 18 minutes, the home team had a half-chance to take the lead.

Inverness keeper Brill's attempted clearance went straight to the feet of Martin Boyle and with Brill off his line, Boyle attempted to chip him from distance but Gary Warren got back in time to chest the ball down before clearing the danger.

But the hosts were not to be denied as they went in front in 21 minutes. Gary Harkins' flighted free-kick to the far post eluded the entire Inverness defence, and allowed Stewart to drift in at the far post to finish past Brill from close range.

On the half-hour mark, Dundee captain Kevin Thomson brought down Daniel Williams on the edge of the penalty area but Greg Tansey's free-kick went straight into the home side's defensive wall.

Dundee responded with David Clarkson crossing for Boyle but he couldn't connect and the chance went to waste.

Scorer Stewart went off injured before half-time and was replaced by Simon Ferry.

Inverness came out fired up after the break and got themselves back on level terms on 56 minutes.

Marley Watkins fed James Vincent who hooked the ball into the box for McKay, who finished from 10 yards after Bain had come off his line to try to close him down.

Harkins had a corner headed over by defender James McPake but Inverness were going for a winner as well and with 10 minutes left, Graeme Shinnie released substitute Aaron Doran but Bain came off his line to collect.

However, Christie sealed victory when he latched onto Watkins' cross from the left to flick his effort into the corner of the net from eight yards and give the Highlanders a hard-earned three points.