Greg Tansey urges Caley Thistle to tie down "fantastic" Liam Polworth
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GREG Tansey has urged Caley Thistle to act swiftly and tie up in-form star Liam Polworth.
Following a highly impressive display in the Highland derby, which saw him grab his fifth goal of the season, Polworth again put himself in the shop window with his contract up at the end of the season.
The club are still in negotiations with Polworth’s camp over terms on a three-year deal, which Tansey believes would be “massive” if signed.
There is interest in the midfielder’s services from England and Scotland but Caley Thistle will be due compensation from any pre-contract agreement, owing to their work put in as part of the player’s development.
Polworth has thrived in the increased role he has been given this season, racking up over 30 appearances and being one of the club’s more consistent performers in what has been an injury-hit campaign.
His efforts have not gone unnoticed by fans either, with the 1000-plus travelling support chanting “Liam Polworth, he’s one of our own” when he was replaced in the 90th minute against Ross County.
Tying him up on a long-term deal would be good business for the Caley Jags, who have seen fellow home-grown players Graeme Shinnie, Nick Ross and Ryan Christie leave the club in the last year.
“It would be massive to keep him. Potentially he could be a very good player. He’s a good player now but can get even better – the club need to tie him down as soon as they can,” said Tansey.
“It’s great for Polly to get his goal and I think he nearly smiled when he hit the bar! He’s been a fantastic player.”
Polworth himself has spoken of his gratitude on receiving a long-term offer and has stated his interest in remaining at the club which gave him his debut as a 16-year-old in 2011.
The good news keeps coming for him, with Polworth training with the Scotland under-21 side in Glasgow today, ahead of their European Under-21 Championship qualifying double-header against France and Northern Ireland, on Thursday and next Tuesday respectively. He would make his international debut if selected, with former team-mate Ryan Christie also in the squad.
Back home, his club side will be aiming to use their derby success as a springboard to reignite a push for the top-six, which had faltered on the back of five league games without a win. Caley Thistle did not need to look far for incentives, with four consecutive wins in Dingwall before Saturday and County organising their League Cup Final parade for after the final whistle. It was a topic certainly discussed in the away dressing room, said Tansey.
“It was massive for us. You want to come and spoil the party – make a statement. Hopefully we sent them home happy. It was mentioned before the game but credit to them – they’ve won the League Cup and I’m sure they enjoyed the party on Saturday night. But we had a job to do and we did it,” he said.
“The fans’ reaction was brilliant. It never fails you and it’s no surprise when we’ve won five on the bounce here.
“We’ve got to look after ourselves. We believe we’re a top-six side and showed that on Saturday. But we need to kick on from here before the split and see where we are.”
Inverness now have a two week break before three crucial games in a week, which will determine their trajectory come the split. Motherwell travel to the Highlands on April 2, followed three days later by Hearts before a visit to Tannadice and Dundee United on April 9.
However, Tansey will have a watching brief only for the ‘Well game after picking up his sixth booking of the season in the 1-0 defeat to St Johnstone a fortnight ago – the second game out of three he will miss due to suspension.
“It was hard to watch the Hibs game, especially when you can’t do anything about it. It’s a weird feeling – it’s the first time I’ve sat in the stand in a while and I don’t want to make a habit of it,” he said.
“It wasn’t a dive against St Johnstone and that’s what’s done me. But when I come back I’ll be fresh and raring to go.”
