John Hughes - Inverness Caley’s qualification for Europe is incredible

John Hughes believes Inverness Caley’s qualification for Europe next season is an incredible achievement.

Caley Thistle have enjoyed their best season in the club’s 21-year history by reaching the final of the Scottish Cup and qualifying for the Europa League.

The Highlanders clinched a place in Europe for the first time when they beat Dundee 1-0 at Dens Park last weekend.

And Hughes believes the Caley Thistle fans will be making plans to see the team on the European stage in July.

“It’s remarkable, it really is,” said Hughes. “All credit to the boys, all the credit goes in that dressing room. They’ve been outstanding for me since I’ve come to the club.

“There will be a real party atmosphere on Saturday I think with sombreros and beach balls and I’m quite sure for supporters it’s a much, especially away from home in Europe, that they go and see their team, and I think a lot of the supporters will be doing that.”

Hughes will take Caley Thistle to Hampden on May 30 for the cup final against Championship side Falkirk, but he is adamant his players are fully focused on the two remaining Scottish Premiership matches before then.

Thistle play Dundee United, who are battling with St Johnstone for fourth place in the league, at home on Saturday before ending the league campaign with a trip to champions Celtic.

Hughes is confident the players will be hoping to impress with cup final places up for grabs.

“Well, we’re competitive, but there is a cup final to be played at the end of May, and no matter what team that I pick I’d like to think that the players fancy themselves being in the starting 1X,” Hughes said.

“So I just use that as an incentive, pick the right team, and we owe it St Johnstone that we compete on Saturday against Dundee United.

“But the business is done, I have to say that. A remarkable achievement and we can now start preparing for the Scottish Cup final.”