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Has Duncan Ferguson found the big man he wants for Inverness Caley Thistle in Harry Lodovica?


By Alasdair Fraser

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ICT’s Harry Lodovica.
ICT’s Harry Lodovica.

He was a man who was known to put himself about a bit in the penalty box with Dundee United, Rangers, Everton and Newcastle United.

Duncan Ferguson is hoping he has found a chip off the old block in big Harry Lodovica.

The towering target man has had to be patient in waiting for first team opportunities since arriving from non-league Chelmsford in the summer.

But the former Rangers, Everton and Newcastle watched Lodovica net two sublime finishes in midweek action in the North of Scotland Cup and sees huge potential in the raw 24-year-old.

In a week when the new Caley Thistle manager put was putting the big and powerful former Aberdeen striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas through his paces on trial, Ferguson said: “We’ll keep putting big Harry on.

"He scored two lovely goals on Wednesday night against Nairn County, two crackers.

“And he kept putting himself in about the chances.

“He’s a big lad and can run, he’s left footed. He looks a handful.

“He’s the type you wouldn’t like to play against him, would you?

“He’s just learning what he’s good at, though.

ICT’s Harry Lodovica up against the Queen’s Park defence.
ICT’s Harry Lodovica up against the Queen’s Park defence.

“These big guys normally take a bit of time to fill out in their body and learn the game - it is not easy with your back to goal.

“But he can actually run away from defenders as well, which is good. He’s got a bit of everything.

“We just have to keep him working on his head and his finishing It will come with experience and practice.

“He’s one to watch, isn’t he?

“I’m a big lad, too – and I’m getting bigger!

“I’ve been a centre forward, a big target man, so I know the role inside out and it takes a wee bit of time.

“Big guys tend to come good a bit later, but he’s a big strong lad and we have high hopes for him.”

RELATED STORY: Duncan Ferguson takes former Arsenal, Aberdeen and Livingston striker Jay Emmanuel-Thomas on trial with Inverness Caley Thistle

Ferguson has put his new squad through a power of work, but has hit bad luck with injuries.

Aaron Doran, a player that quickly won the new manager over with his work ethic, is out for three months with a hamstring tear.

Captain Sean Welsh, only just back from long-term injury, took a kick to the back in midweek action and is out for a few weeks.

ICT manager Duncan Ferguson during his first home game.
ICT manager Duncan Ferguson during his first home game.

Livingston loanee Morgan Boyes has an eye infection, while possible replacement Danny Devine has a swollen knee.

Both goalkeepers, Mark Ridgers and Cammy Mackay, are also doubts for the Cappielow trip with undisclosed issues.

Ferguson added: “Both of us have been cut adrift at the bottom of the league.

“It’s a six-pointer and you can tag on to other teams if you get the victory. If you don’t get it, you are cut adrift. It’s massive for both teams.

“They are obviously up against it as well. They’ve been struggling for results, albeit they got a draw and a clean sheet in their last (league) match.

“It is going to be a tough match. There are no easy games, especially at a ground like that.”


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