Doran keen to fill role left by Wotherspoon at Inverness Caledonian Thistle
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AARON DORAN is determined to catch Duncan Ferguson’s eye all over again after winning his latest battle with injury.
The talented Irishman has never carried the fabled good fortune of his countrymen when it comes to avoiding the treatment room.
Everton legend Ferguson was barely in the door when he identified Doran as capable of fulfilling a key role.
The 32-year-old responded with a goal in Caley Thistle’s first win of the season at Arbroath, before suffering a grade three hamstring tear a week later.
Four months on, a stunning volley against Hibs last weekend in the Scottish Cup defeat signalled Doran was back ready to play his part.
“I was pretty close to surgery, but didn’t need it in the end,” Doran said.
“It felt good to score, from a nice Cammy Kerr ball in. I hit it on the volley and, thankfully, it found the top corner. The gaffer spoke to me when he first came in, moving me from the left in behind Billy Mckay. I started well against Arbroath but did my hamstring in the very next game.
“Getting involved again – and scoring – was a big plus at the weekend. I’m looking to get in and around the team for the rest of the season and hopefully we can kick on. We need to start backing wins up with a run of consistency to climb the table.”
David Wotherspoon came and went in the time Doran was injured and he would love to make a similar creative impact in coming weeks.
“While injured, I watched how Spoony was allowed to roam wherever he wanted to get on the ball and create for the team. I think it will be a similar role to that. I just want to score goals. Spoony scored four or five goals. If I can get near that, I’ll be happy.
“I think the fans can see we’re playing attractive football, and we have a good, competitive squad now.
“Everyone needs to push each other to get away from this relegation zone.”
