MARCUS FRASER is desperate for a Highland derby comeback – but admits there are no guarantees given Ross County’s fine form.

The Staggies’ captain is fit and available again after battling back from a shin injury sustained in August. But with the Dingwall team topping the league and on a 10-game unbeaten run ahead of today’s big clash in Inverness, the skipper knows he may have to bide his time.

Fraser, who last played in the Betfred Cup defeat to Hibs at Easter Road, said: “I’m fit and raring to go. The last two weeks to 10 days is the best I’ve felt since the injury happened. I feel good and back to normal.

“I’ve had the best part of two weeks training under my belt and the managers are big on showing how fit you are in training. I feel I’ve done that.

“It was frustrating because in the first X-ray on my shin nothing really showed. The surgeon said it wasn’t unusual but, when I saw a specialist, there was a wee fracture on the outside of my fibula.

“That’s why I was getting a bit of discomfort when training. I worked hard with the physio, Kevin Bain, and I’m just happy to be back.”

Fraser, succeeding Hartlepool-bound Andrew Davies as skipper in the summer, has so far managed just seven matches wearing the armband.

He said: “I’ve been wishing I was out there, but the boys have been brilliant. The first half of the Ayr game was the best I’ve seen us play in a long time.

“The boys have done really well over the last eight to 10 weeks to keep the run going.

“On Tuesday night, again, it was a difficult game and Falkirk made it tough for us. Although we didn’t play our best, we hung in there and Iain Vigurs got a great goal at the end.

“I just need to see what the managers’ thoughts are. If they give me the nod then I’ll be buzzing to go back out there on the pitch with the boys.”

Fraser knows Caley Thistle are on a record unbeaten run of their own in the league stretching back 22 matches. He is not about to take the neighbours lightly.

The former Celtic youth said: “They’re solid – you can see from their results they don’t get beat often.

“They’re tough to beat and that’s a good mentality. Of course, they’d maybe be saying they need to win more games and I think come the end of the season, they’ll be there or thereabouts. They’re a good side.

“I’ve been fortunate to always have good games through there in Inverness. We’ve had a lot of positive results and hopefully that can continue.

“We’ll bring a good support through and they’ll make a bit of noise. Hopefully we can put a performance on for them.”