Caley Thistle must give more, says striker Nikolay Todorov
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NIKOLAY Todorov admits Caley Thistle need to give “10 or 20 per cent more” to revive faltering Championship title aspirations.
The ex-Bulgaria under-21 striker accepts manager John Robertson’s assertion that the team, as a collective, must show greater hunger and desire than they have during recent poor form.
With valuable points lost in defeats to Morton, Dundee United and Arbroath, the Tannadice club has been able to carve a 10-point advantage over the Highlanders after 13 games.
Tomorrow’s home match sees Clyde visit on Challenge Cup quarter-final duty, but it is one that Todorov wants to use as a springboard to better performances in the league.
The former Hearts and Falkirk frontman said: “Every team in the world can go through spells like this. Sometimes you play badly and with one lucky goal, you win and it turns for you.
“We’re just going through a bad spell where, as the manager says, we need to grind out another 10 or 20 per cent from what we give to get out of the rut.
“We are all disappointed with results and determined to bounce back from the Arbroath performance. We never saw what it coming.
“Before the game, it never went through my mind that could happen - no chance.
“I think the other lads were the same, but we’ve regrouped and we’re looking forward to Saturday when we can start to put it right.
“We’ve gone back to basics in training this week. We play Clyde here now and we will try to bounce back. It’s football and every week you have the opportunity to give a reaction, to prove yourself every day.
“If we go and smash them, we’re back on track. It will lift our confidence after a difficult spell.
“We’ll just treat it as a normal game and show Clyde every respect.
Todorov, with just three starts this season, is joint top club goalscorer with Jordan White on five goals.
The 23-year-old would love to earn a concerted run in the team for the first time since his arrival at the club in July.
He stressed: “I’m gutted for the team firstly that we didn’t win on Saturday, but also because I was involved.
“It’s unfortunate, but one game doesn’t define whether I’m a good footballer or goalscorer. It is not going to ruin what I’ve done for the last four months.
“I think I have a place in this team and that’s why I will look back at my performance and see how I can improve. I definitely feel there is more to come from me. I know I have goals in me but, when I am given the chance I have to grab it quick.”
