Inverness CT 0-0 St Mirren

May 18 2008 Alasdair Fraser At Caledonian Stadium

RUSSELL DUNCAN helped 10-man Inverness earn a point and what looks like an extra £70,000 - then told how the loss of Dennis Wyness would be a massive blow to the club. Caley are now close to securing ninth place and the cash that would go with finishing ahead of close rivals Buddies in the league.

But Duncan is worried striker Wyness, 31, has already agreed a Bosman move away from the Caledonian Stadium - with yesterday's opponents St Mirren his possible destination.

And after sharing the highs and lows with Wyness as mainstays of Caley's success, Duncan is praying his pal will have a change of heart.

He said: "Dennis will be a big loss if leaving is what he has decided to do.

"He has been a terrific player for this club and everyone who has watched him over the years knows what he is capable of.

"The way he turns players, creates and scores goals changes games. Dennis hasn't said anything to the lads yet and that's typical as he is never one to say too much.

"I'm sure if he signs for someone he will have a good chat with the lads and say his goodbyes.

"But he's a friend and great team-mate who has been through a lot with me and others over the years, so it's sad if he is leaving."

David Proctor's sending off for the home side forced the removal of Wyness in 57 minutes and he got a rousing cheer from the crowd.

Buds gaffer Gus MacPherson confirmed his interest in Wyness.

He said: "I've spoken to Dennis and I'm waiting to hear back from him. I hope he will sign but he still has options including staying with Inverness."

Buds now need to beat Rangers tomorrow to pip Caley to ninth - but that will still be the Highlanders' lowest finish in four SPL seasons.

Duncan said: "The lads have played some good stuff at times this season and went on a good run. But there have also poor spells. We will come back determined to do better next season."

With a final league position still at stake the game started brightly.

Proctor stalled an immediate St Mirren surge by felling Craig Dargo outside the box and Ryan McCay's freekick was saved by Michael Fraser.

Caley should have taken the lead in five minutes when Doug Imrie delivered an inch-perfect cross into the box.

Don Cowie attempted a first-time strike from eight yards but blazed over.

Buds were moving the ball well and missed a great chance in 15 minutes. David Barron's cross was just a little too much for Dargo in the six-yard box.

Duncan then struck a tremendous low shot just wide from 25 yards.

Caley finished the half stronger and a long clearance by Fraser found Wyness in space. His 18-yard shot curled around the post, though.

Imrie's cross then fell to Marius Niculae - who could also have played his final match for Inverness - only for his strike to smack the post.

Wyness went for the rebound but the ball tangled in his legs before John Potter blocked his shot.

Billy Mehmet curved a shot high after the re-start as Buds opened well.

Minutes later Stephen O'Donnell was foiled at close range from Fraser.

Inverness were reduced to 10 men in 54 minutes. Proctor was caught for pace by Dargo and the striker was tugged back, leaving referee Eddie Smith with no option but to send off the Thistle man for denying a scoring opportunity.

However, Buds couldn't cash in on their advantage. There was huffing and puffing but it took until 84 minutes for McCay's cross to cause serious danger.

Mehmet struck hard at the target but Fraser was again sharp to save with his legs. Dargo whistled a shot just wide of the target from 18 yards late on but there would be no breakthrough.

MATCH STATS

SHOTS ON 3

SHOTS OFF 9

OFFSIDE 1

FOULS 5

CORNERS 5

BOOKING 2

SHOTS ON 5

SHOTS OFF 3

OFFSIDE 8

FOULS 13

CORNERS 3

BOOKING 2

REF WATCH

EDDIE SMITH had no other choice but to send Proctor off. Managed to retain a firm grip on the game throughout. Rating:7/10.