Teenager Matthew Strachan could make an impact for Inverness Caley Thistle, says head coach Billy Dodds
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Head coach Billy Dodds says it will be a bonus for Inverness Caledonian Thistle if young players like Matthew Strachan can make an impact in the first team.
The young defender was given his senior debut against Hamilton last week, before replacing an injured Robbie Deas against Raith Rovers.
Strachan comes highly rated from the club’s youth academy, captaining the under-18s last Sunday against St Johnstone and representing Scotland at schoolboy level.
However, it was not Dodds’ plan to have him involved in the first team squad so soon. Instead, the glut of injuries in the Highland capital has forced his hand – so if the likes of Strachan copes with the step up, it will be a relief.
“Young Matthew still has a lot to learn, but he’s a big strong lad,” Dodds said.
“Some of my senior players started to panic. I’m not having a go at them, but we were rushing it, and Matthew went on and calmly passed it.
“He showed no fear. He’s a lad that we didn’t send out on loan, and I wouldn’t really have wanted him to have the pressure of being in and about the first team, but he handled it brilliantly, so that’s a huge bonus.
“It gives every other youngster at this club – which is one that has produced youngsters for a lot of years now – inspiration. Look at what happens.
“We’ve got boys out on loan, we’re down to the bare bones, he comes on and does pretty well, so that’s great.
“When you get Matthew going on and showing that calmness, that’s a bonus.”
Strachan is the latest in a long line of talent to graduate from ICT’s academy into the senior squad.
Another who has made that journey in recent years is Lewis Hyde, and there could well be more to come.
Hyde is another example of the potential bonuses Dodds can call on, as he has established himself in the first team squad, and the Inverness head coach has high hopes for him.
“There have been a few like that over the years,” Dodds added.
“Look at Lewis Hyde. He’s got a great chance – there are things he has to learn, but he’s a big powerhouse midfielder with a great engine.
“He can be a complete midfielder if he gets the focus and experience, because he can win tackles, he can pass well and he can get forward.
“If you’re good enough and you’ve got that focus, sometimes you get a chance before your time.
“You will get an opportunity here, and a few others in the past have gone on to greater things – that will continue at this club.”
