Terry Butcher believes Hamilton will again prove to be a tough nut to crack on Sunday, but is hoping his Inverness side can finally get the better of them and take a step closer to Clydesdale Bank Premier League safety.

Caley Thistle have failed to beat Accies this season and were lucky to escape with a 1-1 draw when the sides met last month.

Butcher expects another difficult encounter against the team led by PFA Scotland Manager of the Year nominee Billy Reid.

"Hamilton are tough, resilient and have some top players," Butcher said.

"They had a good win last weekend against Kilmarnock and they know another win would see them take a step closer to survival.

"But we could go above them and we'll know what we have to do with the results on Saturday.

"They're a good football side and did well here a few weeks ago and we were lucky to come away with a point, which could turn out to be an important one.

"We know what they're all about and it's trying to stop them and also try to play ourselves.

"Billy's Manager of the Year nomination is worthy in my opinion.

"He's a tough competitor and demands perfection from his players, which is normally why his sides play good football.

"He works with a small budget but still manages to get the best from his squad and has some really exciting young players coming through, with some experienced ones too."

Butcher made three changes to his side for last weekend's win at St Mirren, with Andy Barrowman, Roy McBain and goalkeeper Michael Fraser all coming in from the cold.

And the Caley boss hinted they may keep their jerseys, saying: "Roy had to bide his time, he's worked ever so well in training and in the reserves and been very unlucky with the under-21 rule not to have appeared on the bench.

"He took his chance on Saturday and should've scored. Andy Barrowman held the ball up well and Michael Fraser didn't have an awful lot to do in the match.

"The ones who've haven't had as much game time as the rest are the guys who can make the impact and there's certainly been a few who have done just that."

A win would not only take Inverness above Hamilton, but could send them even further clear of the relegation scrap depending on results at Rugby Park and Fir Park.

The Highlanders have targeted as many wins as possible and Butcher would like to see them safe sooner rather than later as he looks to the season ahead and resolving players' futures.

"We're unaware of where we're going to be first and foremost," Butcher said.

"As soon as it's sorted, we'll sit down with each one individually and let them know what lies ahead, whether that be taking steps to secure their services or releasing them.

"It'll be difficult but nice in some respects to let people know their futures.

"Hopefully, when we approach that task, it'll be on the back of a massive party celebrating another season in the SPL."