Aaron Doran closing in on Caley Thistle return
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
AARON Doran could be a surprise inclusion on the bench for tomorrow’s Betfred Cup tie with Arbroath.
The talented Irish winger has missed the last year with a knee injury but after impressing manager Richie Foran in training, is in contention to make his long-awaited return.
Doran is ‘champing at the bit’ to get going, according to Foran, who has put the reins on the Caley Thistle midfielder to avoid him breaking down. His last game was the second leg of the Europa League tie with Astra Girgiu in July 2015.
Scans on his left knee showed missing cartilage and the joint required to be drilled in to before it could grow back. Earlier this year he told the Courier how the rehabilitation had been harder than expected but that he was pushing himself to get back ahead of schedule.
Foran stopped short of saying his countryman would be involved against Dick Campbell’s side but a spot on the bench is not out of the question.
“It’s great to have him back - he’s champing at the bit to get going. It’s for his own benefit he’s been held back but he’s looking great,” said Foran. “The determination and focus he’s shown since the injury; it was questioned whether he would ever get back and questions have been raised about his weight.
“Aaron’s got no fat on him, it’s all muscle. He just pumps a lot of iron at the gym. He’s got the determination to prove his doubters wrong and he looks a better player than before the injury.
“If he appears on the bench he’ll be happy! We’ve got to make sure he’s right. I’ll have a discussion with the physio and make a decision. It’ll be great for him and the players because they know his ability. He’s got a battle to get back with the quality we’ve brought in and he knows that, but it’s one he’s up for.”
That leaves only Josh Meekings as an injury concern for Foran ahead of Arbroath’s visit, with Inverness’ destiny in their own hands following the midweek 5-1 win over Dunfermline.
The Caley Jags top the group on games won and are heavy favourites against the League Two side, who are bottom of the group after three games.
“We’re in a tough group and we’ve got another tough game on Saturday,” added Foran. “Their gaffer Dick Campbell won’t be happy with performances of late and he will have them fired up. We need to be fired up too.
“I’m really behind with what they’ve done with the competition. You want to get your whole squad fit over pre-season and unfortunately you can only use 14 players, so that’s the only thing I’d change.”
