Crock crisis fails to injure Inverness Caley Thistle morale
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THEY may be battered by injuries, but Billy Dodds is keen to dispel any misapprehension that Caley Thistle are somehow downbeat and demoralised.
Such was the sheer zest and intensity on show in training yesterday, the Inverness manager wasn’t sure whether to applaud the players or call a halt.
A run of five straight Championship wins has been broken by two defeats and a draw, but nobody should doubt the positivity and intent within the Caley Jags’ camp ahead of Arbroath’s visit tomorrow.
“This morning was so sharp and intense it is sometimes in your mind to say ‘calm down’,” Dodds said.
“I have to warn them before every session at the moment ‘watch the tackles, lads!’ to make sure we don’t pick up any more injuries.
“There was a day last week when I felt we just couldn’t gamble by doing training.
“I’m pleased with them every day, but especially today they were brilliant. Given the numbers we have, the intensity was there. It is onwards and upwards.”
Eight players remain out, including longer-term absentees Shane Sutherland, Tom Walsh, Scott Allardice and Robbie Deas. Dodds would like more clarity on recovery times for Roddy MacGregor, Danny Devine and Dan MacKay, while Austin Samuels is still a niggle short of being risked.
At least two unnamed players are carrying niggles into matches, but with everything to play for in the title race, Dodds is confident those able to play are revelling in the challenge.
“It is the old ‘in the face of adversity’ line, isn’t it?” Dodds said. “I just love the challenge when people looking in think you’re struggling, whether with injuries or results. I think all the boys are embracing it, relishing it – and that’s maybe why it was so intense.
“They were like ‘let’s go – let’s get on with it’. We’re not downbeat whatsoever and we’re still fiercely competitive. Yes, we could do with bodies back, but what is left is, for me, still plenty.”
Last season’s six meetings with Arbroath and this season’s opening fixture together threw up four 0-0 draws and two 1-0 outcomes.
“They’re a tough opponent, like every team in this league, but I’m very positive about getting a result and my players are the same.”
