Inverness Caley Thistle Women goalkeeper Fin Annand turned to family for advice after taking over gloves in the Highland capital
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Going in goal for the first time has been a steep learning curve for Caley Thistle Women's Fin Annand – but she has been able to call on family for extra tips.
The one-time Scotland international has taken over the gloves after the departure of previous number one Jen Horrocks for work, a totally unfamiliar role for the experienced midfielder.
When Annand found out she would have to adapt to a new position quickly, she turned to a pretty good source for advice though: her brother, and former Highland League goalkeeper, Harold.
"There was a pre-season game where I stepped in because Jen wasn't available," Annand explained.
"I've got a chronic Achilles issue just now, so playing outfield isn't happening for me, but it's good to be a part of the team and be involved.
"I'd never played in goal before. Maybe in training when we were messing around, but my older brother (Harold) was a really good goalkeeper.
"He stopped playing very young because he dislocated his shoulder, but he used to play in the Highland League when he was around 16 or 17. Before that he played for the North of Scotland, so he was always the mental one in the family.
"I did ask him for some tips on a couple of things, what I should do in certain situations, so it was good to have him to call upon."
Although understandable nervous about becoming a goalkeeper, things have gone relatively well for Annand to date.
On her record, she can already boast two clean sheets in her three games. While she is helping the team by taking over the gloves, though, she insists the team are helping her through.
"Don't get me wrong, I was nervous and I still am nervous every time I go in, but for me it was a good opportunity to get back involved with the team," Annand reasoned.
"I do miss the girls when I'm not able to, and this is a way I can contribute again.
"I was willing to give it a shot anyway – all I can do is try. I guess going in goal is a way of extending my time playing football.
"It has been nerve-wracking for sure, but also very stimulating because I've got to be switched on for the whole 90 minutes.
"You should be outfield anyway, but you have to have a super level of concentration.
"The girls have been absolutely brilliant. The support the squad has given me has been unreal, they have made sure I feel okay and they have done a really good job defensively which has made the transition a lot easier for me."
It has been a solid start to the campaign overall for the Caley Jags, who sit third in the table – right in title contention with a long way in the season to go.
Next up is a trip to newly-promoted Westdyke, who have had a good start themselves and sit one place behind ICT.
From an Inverness perspective, though, Annand believes there is every chance this could go on to be a special season as long as nobody gets too far ahead of themselves.
"This is the strongest squad I've seen at Caley Thistle for sure," she added.
"We're all feeling optimistic, but we're also trying to stay realistic and take each game as it comes.
"(Defeat against) East Fife brought us back down to earth a wee bit and made us realise we need to be consistent and keep that high standard for every game.
"When we are playing to our full potential, I don't think there's a team that can beat us.
"I don't think everyone knows too much about Westdyke, but we're expecting a tricky game. It won't be easy by any means, because they have their strengths and we're away from home.
"We'll just go into it like we have every other game – just focusing on ourselves and play to the best of our ability for the full 90 minutes. Hopefully that will get us the three points."
