Inverness Caledonian Thistle midfielder Aaron Doran spells out Premiership intent
AARON Doran is celebrating a decade at Caley Thistle – but has been far too busy focussing on the future to plan his testimonial.
The one-time Blackburn Rovers loanee signed his first permanent deal with Inverness in July 2011.
Marvellous times followed, with top six Premiership football, a Scottish Cup and European adventure under Terry Butcher and John Hughes.
Frustrated after four years in the Championship, though, fit-again Doran has poured all energy into getting into the shape of his life for what he believes can be a promotion season.
“There is a testimonial planned, as it was included in the last contract I signed,” Doran said. “But after an injury-hit last season, I’ve just been focused on the campaign ahead. I’ve trained every day and played every game bar Hearts, where I had a tight calf.
“It is probably the fittest I’ve been in a long time.
“Last season, I felt my knee again and it killed me a bit as I missed pre-season. It was a real struggle.
“Neil McCann and Billy Dodds came in and didn’t get to see what I could offer, so I wanted to come back this pre-season and really do well. I scored a good goal against Peterhead. Hopefully I can keep it going.
“In the seasons I have been fit, I’ve hit double figures. That’s my aim again.”
The 19-year-old Doran had no idea the Highlands would become such a huge part of his life when he first came on loan from Blackburn.
He is now thoroughly settled in Aviemore, but for all the reflection on 10 successful years, thoughts of the future hold more appeal.
“The club has stuck by me and I’ve stuck by the club. I’ve grown from a kid to a man up here and I have a family now as well,” Doran said. “It’s been brilliant for me, but I want to see the club back in the Premiership.
“It has been far too long now and we have the squad to get there.”
