Inverness defender Josh Meekings admits the balance of power in the Highlands may have swung across the Kessock Bridge after Ross County's impressive start to the season.

Caley Thistle have long held the bragging rights over their local rivals - it is almost two years since the William Hill Scottish Cup winners were last beaten by the Staggies.

However, it is Jim McIntyre's men who are now flying high having stormed up to fourth in the Ladbrokes Premiership table.

Inverness, on the other hand, are five points back in eighth in an an unfamiliar bottom-six slot and Meekings concedes County will see themselves as favourites when the teams meet in Dingwall on Saturday.

He said: "A derby is a derby and anything can happen. It will be a fiery game as it always is and it will be interesting to see how we are against each other. They will probably say they are favourites because of where they are in the league but that suits us. We like having that underdog mentality.

"We've managed to claw our way back from where we were at the start of the season and got a few wins going. Hopefully we can continue that this weekend.

"County have done absolutely brilliant but hopefully we can go over there and come out on top.

"We know if we can produce the performance we're capable of we've got a good chance."

John Hughes' plans have been hit by the red card collected by influential playmaker Ryan Christie in last week's 2-1 success over league leaders Aberdeen.

But Meekings hopes some of his Caley Thistle colleagues will take up the mantle left by last year's Young Player of the Year.

He said: "You just had to look at Ryan's performance in the first half last week. He ran the game for us.

"It was a great game for him before the sending off so he will be missed. But I'm hoping with the players we have got we will have enough to go over there and get the three points."