Northern Irish defender Danny Devine believes Caley Thistle would benefit from new signings in January – but with be strong enough for a title assault if new faces fail to materialise for the Cinch SPFL Championship run-in
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Danny Devine would welcome January additions at Caley Thistle – but insists the squad is strong enough to succeed without them.
The Northern Irish defender, one of the team’s most consistent performers this season, believes the Championship title race could go right to the wire as one of the tightest contests in recent memory.
But he told how there is a powerful belief among the Inverness dressing room that this can be their year.
“The belief in the changing room among the lads just now is massive,” the 29 year-old said.
“We all believe in each other and in each other’s qualities. When we have a fully fit squad, we do have intense competition for places and strength in depth.
“But you know what it is like in football, there can always be injuries and suspensions and the squad can become a bit thin.
“If nothing happens in the transfer window, we’ll definitely still back ourselves to push on in the new year and achieve our ambitions.”
Manager Billy Dodds, from the moment he took charge, outlined his wish for two quality performers in every position.
“We feel we’ve done well so far to get to this stage in the season in a position of strength – but we can always do better,” Devine said.
“If someone is going to be coming in to help us out and push us on to where we want to be, then the boys are all for it.
“It is up to the manager and the board. We just concentrate on the playing side, train and work hard. We’re looking forward to the weekend match and all the games ahead.”
Devine shares his team-mates’ frustration in feeling they could have accrued more points, but emphasised just how tough and tight the league is.
“Most of the teams, especially the top five, are very evenly matched, but we are always going to back ourselves, no matter what,” he said.
“It could be tight all the way to the end of the season.
“In our early season run, one goal was often enough to get us over the line. That is the fine margins of it. A bit of slackness and you can concede and miss out on three points.
“Over the piece, we’ve been doing quite well. We’d like to be a bit better off than we are, but we’re only looking forward.”
Caley Thistle have beaten Saturday’s visitors 2–1 twice this season, with Lee Connelly netting in both Queen of the South visits.
“I don’t think Queens get the credit they deserve for the football they play – they have a number of threats, particularly the young lads, and we certainly won’t take them lightly,” Devine added.
