Butcher not ruling out duo

"I think the succesess of the club and how it’s moved on over the last few years has been reflected in this two on the pitch."

"Jonny arrived and hadn’t achieved a lot in terms of successive matches at a high competitive level, but look at him — fantastic.

"Lee came here as un unknown 19-year-old and he was very raw, but the progress he has made as a player has been sensational.

"However, it’s just great to see the two of them back. They have been an integral part of everything we’ve done here over the last two years and are both really special players.

"There’s a possibility they could make the squad for Saturday, but that’s all it is — a possibility," he said. "It’s certainly a lovely problem for me to have, so we’ll just have to wait and see.

Butcher had stated at the start of the week that the St Johnstone game may come too soon for Cox and Hayes, but now both could be in contention to return, despite still being short of match sharpness following their lengthy lay-offs.

It was the first competitive outing for midfielder Cox (21), sidelined since pre-season with pelvic and groin problems, while Hayes (24) has been out since the end of August with a shoulder injury.

Both players featured in a bounce match for Inverness at St Mirren on Tuesday — a game that finished 3-3 with Cox, Shane Sutherland and Billy McKay on target.

TERRY Butcher has not ruled out either Lee Cox or Jonny Hayes from making Caley Thistle’s squad for tomorrow’s trip to St Johnstone.