Scott Allardice salutes Inverness Caledonian Thistle captain Sean Welsh's support
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HE helped keep the captain out of the team for more than a month, but Scott Allardice is quick to credit Sean Welsh for boosting his development and Championship performances.
The 23-year-old midfielder has been a mainstay under manager Billy Dodds so far this season, starting all eight games in the league. Welsh, after an injury absence in July and August, had to wait patiently to regain favour through four substitute appearances.
With competition for places fierce, Allardice is now partnering Welsh with Roddy MacGregor pushed forward into a more attacking role – and feels it is a healthy scenario.
“It is really intense, the fight for places, but through the duration of the season we will need that,” Allardice, preparing for Morton’s visit tomorrow, said.
“I know I need to be at the top of my game because there are people pushing me, and that goes for every position.
“The important thing for me, personally, is to keep improving. It probably helps massively the amount of minutes I’ve played since coming to the club.
“I’m learning every week through experiences, the good and bad bits, and I think I’m improving as a player. It is a good club to be at, especially at the age I’m at right now.
“We’ve a good mix of the older ones and younger ones. I’m hopeful I can be part of a good side and a good season.
“I just need to keep my head down, work hard and keep learning every week. I know I’m at a good club with good coaches.”
Welsh, with a wealth of experience at Hibs and Partick Thistle, has taken time to mentor Allardice.
“He’s been good for me. He talks away to me about bits of my game and we rub off each other well in games, as well as the others here who have played at a higher level. It is good to have these players because that’s the level we all want to get to.”
