Caley Thistle's Doran’s keen to add to derby goal rate
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RETURNING Caley Thistle star Aaron Doran hopes to push for a Highland derby start after making his long-awaited return from injury.
Doran played 20 minutes in the 1-0 Betfred Cup defeat to Alloa Athletic on Tuesday night – his first action since Inverness CT were eliminated from the Europa League last summer.
His derby record is impressive – five goals against the Staggies since joining Caley Thistle in 2011 – and the man himself admitted he relishes the time the Staggies are their opponents.
County manager Jim McIntyre was at the Indodrill Stadium to see Doran’s return to action and the former Blackburn Rovers man hopes it’s not the last time McIntyre gets to watch him this week.
Doran said: "I like the Highland derby – I’ve scored a few goals in that and I’ll try push over the next few days for a start. I won’t be knocking on his door – he’ll probably grab me in a headlock!
"But hopefully I can impress in training and see how it goes.
"It felt good to be on the pitch. Even though I’ve been out for 13 months I felt sharp. I’ve been angry to be on the bench, but I can see where the manager is coming from, trying to protect me.
"Being out for a year showed me how much I miss football and I took it for granted when I was fit. It hurt to be out, so I’m looking forward to pushing on."
His return is a welcome boost for manager Richie Foran, who has seen his side draw two rare blanks after plundering 15 goals in the League Cup group stages.
Doran has had a frustrated watching brief so far – but that is nothing compared to the agony of sitting on the sidelines for a year as his team-mates set about their daily business.
He said: "It was really tough, having to watch the lads go train when I’ve got six or seven months to go. But you just have to get on with it – you need to get your leg strong so you can get back and help the team.
"The new contract was really big because I was worrying towards January. The gaffer now had a word with a few people at the club back then and I got a good deal, so I just want to try and help the club in any way I can.
"I want to come back a better player than I was before. It’s been a hard 13 months stuck in the gym, so I just want to get out there every day and try and do well for the team."
