Inverness manager Terry Butcher's fears over league reform

Inverness boss Terry Butcher fears games like his side's enthralling win over Hearts be less common next season.

Scottish football bodies are assessing a new league set-up of two top leagues of 12, splitting into three leagues of eight midway through the season.

And Butcher is concerned the battle for places may stifle open football.

"That's my real worry, that the football becomes very pedestrian, solid, stereotyped and teams will defend more than attack," he said.

"It [the 3-2 win against Hearts] had everything. I don't know if we'll get this freedom next season if it goes to the eight-team split.

"It's now nice and open, everybody's going for it. There's seven or eight teams involved in the fight for the top six and the fight for second and third.

"We certainly want to have a go and we've done that all season but I think teams now are really committed to doing that. I don't think that'll be the case next season."

Gary Warren opened and completed the scoring as the Highlanders claimed victory at Tynecastle, with Billy McKay netting the other goal for the visitors.

"I'm happy with the quality my players showed, the character they showed as well," added Butcher. "They had to show it in abundance because Hearts certainly put us under massive pressure.

"It was lovely to score the third goal just after Hearts had got the second goal because if it had gone on a little bit longer, Hearts had the impetus.

"We held firm, got the third goal and it's easier then to defend a lead rather than trying to defend a draw.

"Just delighted for the players and delighted for everybody that's worked so hard because it's been difficult. We've been playing pretty well but not getting the results.

"We just had to keep going and keep believing. So, we're on a real slump and second in the table - that's not bad!

"It's nice to win again, that feeling is lovely. We've not had it for a long, long while. Hopefully, we'll get another one on Wednesday."