Inverness Caley Thistle legend Aaron Doran confident he can still be key man in play-off and Scottish Cup dreams
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Aaron Doran admits he has been frustrated not to feature more for Inverness Caledonian Thistle this season – but insists he can still play a big part in the season's run-in.
The 31-year-old is in his testimonial season with the Caley Jags, but has seen 11 other players get on the pitch more often than he has this year.
Despite a major injury crisis in the Highland capital, Doran has completed 90 minutes just four times across all competitions in 2022/23, and he has been unable to have the impact on matches he would have liked with such limited involvement.
However, he did play a key role in Saturday's 2-1 win over Cove Rangers.
Coming on as a substitute with a little over half an hour remaining – and with Inverness one goal down thanks to former midfielder Iain Vigurs' free kick – Doran won the penalty that allowed Billy Mckay to level the scores.
He would then pop up as the provider for Cameron Harper's winning goal, all within 12 minutes of coming on.
Doran, then, was pleased to have played his part in the turnaround, and is adamant he can make a similar impact over the rest of the season while Inverness are bidding for a play-off spot and a Scottish Cup final.
"I'm not happy when I don't start, so when I come on I want to make an impact," Doran stressed.
"I think I did that on Saturday, which is good, but I want to be starting every game.
"It's a bit disappointing to find out you're on the bench, but you just have to try and make an impact when you're called upon.
"I don't really understand why I haven't played more, because I think I have all the qualities to be one of our best players – and one of the best players in this league.
"I think I've shown that over the years. Maybe it's because I haven't scored enough goals, but I create chances in every game and I get through on goal – just unfortunately I haven't taken enough of them.
"That could be part of the reason, but I'm obviously disappointed not to be playing from the start. We'll see what happens between now and the end of the season."
