For a former international who scored the winning goal in a Scottish Cup Final - Aberdeen's penalty shoot-out triumph against Celtic in 1990 - you might expect a trace of bitterness at the thought of playing out his twilight years at Ross County. But, on the contrary, the 35-year-old defender considers himself fortunate still to have a liveli-hood in the game.

'Being offered a three-year deal so late in my career was very important in me coming here, but also I had played at the top level all my career and I liked the idea of giving something back to the game and helping younger players.'

Irvine, a devout Christian whose faith also distinguishes him from the stereo-typical professional, signed for Neale Cooper's side in the summer of 1999 and was impressed by how well-run, ambitious and forward-looking the Victoria Park club was.

Under Cooper's leadership, County gained promotion from the Third to the First Division in successive seasons and now sit comfortably in mid-table - buoyed by last week's surprise win at leaders Falkirk - ahead of today's derby visit of Inverness.

Irvine, who scored in the 3-2 win, said: 'We were all delighted because it was not a case of us fluking the result, we really earned it and, as long as we are not over-confident, it can only be a good thing ahead of Inverness.'

Although keenly contested, he insists the encounter will lack the animosity of many other derby clashes.

'There is a rivalry between the clubs, but there is also a big group of people who want to see both teams do well because they recognise it's good for the area. I live in Inverness, myself, and I like to see them do well.'

Falkirk get the chance to open up a gap at the top at Alloa today as second-placed Livingston are on Bells Challenge Cup Final duty this weekend.

Totten said of last week's defeat by Ross County: 'It left us all very disappointed and we have to make amends and bounce back. But we know it will be difficult because Alloa gave us a tight game earlier in the season. And we all know what can happen in local derbies.'

Falkirk will be without Ian Morris, who is going through a cartilage operation, while Mark Roberts has an ankle knock. But Kevin Christie returns after suspension.

Max Christie, who has a back injury, is out for Alloa.

Ayr United striker Glynn Hurst has shot down suggestions that he could move back to England with Tran-mere. Said Hurst: 'As I am missing for two games through suspension, I have come down to Yorkshire to

spend some time with my family. While I am here I have got to train and it just happened to be with Tranmere.'

John Hughes is also missing for Ayr at home to Morton, but Neil Duffy and Mickey Reynolds could return.