Inverness assistant manager Russell Latapy refuses to believe the job is done in Caley Thistle's push for Europe.

A 2-1 victory over nearest rivals Dundee United last night, their first win in nine league games, stretched the gap between the two sides to seven points with three games to go.

The result leaves Caley one win away from securing European qualification for the first time. However, Latapy will not be counting his chickens until continental qualification is arithmetically secure.

"There's never enough done when you've still got games left," said Latapy. "We've put ourselves seven points ahead of United and we go into every game believing we can win it.

"We now go to Dundee on Saturday and we'll prepare the team that gives us the best possible chance to win."

United took the lead after three minutes when Robbie Muirhead spotted Ryan Esson off his line and scored from 40 yards. However, two goals in five minutes before half-time, first from Edward Ofere and then a wonder goal from Danny Williams, gave Inverness a lead they would not relinquish.

"We're delighted to be so far up the table," added Latapy. "It's a massive step for the club."

By contrast, United manager Jackie McNamara concedes his side are now relying on favours from others in order to qualify for Europe automatically.

McNamara was left ruing his side's naivety as they failed to capitalise on taking an early lead in the Highland capital.

"It's going to be very difficult to get third place now. It's not in our hands and we're relying on others in the last three games," said McNamara.

"We've got a similar game on Saturday now against an experienced side (St Johntsone) where we need to do a lot better.

"We were a bit naive in the way we played, but I don't think there was a lot in the game."