TERRY Butcher believes Inverness Caledonian Thistle's success despite a budget cut of £300,000 is a lesson in what can be achieved – and a possible spur to chairmen seeking to cut club budgets.

With his side on the brink of European qualification – and in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League top six, alongside other "small clubs" – the Inverness manager is also full of praise for what they have managed to achieve.

He said: "It's great to have three teams like St Johnstone, Ross County and ourselves in the top six – small budgets, small crowds, small incomes. It just shows you what can be achieved with togetherness, spirit, leadership and a really good set of players.

"The chance of Europe for us, St Johnstone and Ross County is dreamland, really. Just magnificent. I've always said we enjoy bloodying the noses of the big boys [but] it is easier to be underdogs, roll your sleeves up and get stuck in when you are not expected to win.

"There's a lesson [for bigger clubs] when you're looking at bringing players in. We were lucky as the new players settled very quickly and one or two have been far better than we thought."

Acknowledging that the traditional "big" clubs face extra pressures – including from attempting to emulate their past achievement, and meeting fans' expectations history – Butcher feels that a comparative lack of expectation has helped his team.

"There's a bit more freedom when not a lot is expected from you. You can surprise a lot of people and, before you know it, you're in the position we are," he added. "I'm sure a few chairmen have looked at my situation and are thinking they'll cut the budget by at least £300,000. There are a lot of lessons to be learned from the demise of other clubs.

"I worked at Motherwell when they went into administration and know just how bad that can be. We don't ever want to go there. Last year, I was given a budget of £300,000 less but you just get on with it. You have to.

"But the success has been down to a combination of factors – the squad, leaders in the dressing room, coaches, the area, the club . . . there are so many plus points."

Victory over visitors St Johnstone this evening would give Inverness an eight-point cushion over fourth-placed Ross County, who will travel to face Hearts tomorrow, and tonight's Perthshire opposition.

Captain Richie Foran will be suspended for the first game after the league splits, and midfielder Ross Draper is one booking away from suspension. Aaron Doran, meanwhile, has said Europa League qualification could tip the balance in favour of him staying at Inverness. Doran is joint top of the division's 'assists' table with Henrik Ojamaa of Motherwell.

"My situation is not settled," said the winger, "but hopefully we can push on and get a European spot. That would influence my decision."