Butcher hails Shinnie

Inverness boss Terry Butcher praised the contribution of Andrew Shinnie after seeing his side advance ahead of Dunfermline in the William Hill Scottish Cup.

Butcher, who is eager to add to his side, saw Shinnie net in extra-time before Greg Tansey added a third in a 3-1 win at East End Park which set up a fifth-round clash at home to Celtic early next month.

Shinnie marked his first appearance since December 17 following a calf injury with the crucial strike and Butcher was pleased to see the playmaker return, saying: "Andy's a quality player. If we can get him fit he certainly adds a lot to our side."

He added: "The goal bent a hell of a lot. It was an unsaveable shot."

Caley Thistle host third-placed Hearts on Saturday eager to extend their five-match unbeaten run, something which is a new experience in the SPL for Butcher.

He added: "We're in a strange place. I don't exactly know what to make of it, but it's really pleasing."

Inverness captain Richie Foran and Jonny Hayes had a public spat midway through the second half of the Dunfermline clash and had to be separated by referee Euan Norris.

The incident happened after Hayes had capitalised on a series of errors to cancel out Andy Barrowman's opener.

Butcher made light of the row, which saw both players booked, and was pleased it sparked Hayes into action.

The manager added: "I don't think Richie's got to grab him by the throat before the next game, although I might be tempted to say that to him."