Todorov hopes Allan can make the difference as Inverness Caledonian Thistle maintain promotion play-off push
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Nikolay Todorov is convinced Caley Thistle’s coup in signing Hibs Scott Allan on loan can be huge in their push for the Premiership play-offs.
The Bulgarian match-winner, who sank Arbroath with a courageous diving header between defenders on Saturday, played through the pain of an adductor strain to aid the cause.
He was thrilled to see Allan sprung on the squad as a surprise signing on the morning of the game.
With five final league games ahead after Friday’s Scottish Cup cracker in Dingwall, Todorov said: “Bringing in a quality player like Scott Allan is a massive plus for us.
“We saw his ability against Arbroath and he linked up well with me and the rest of the lads, I think. It wasn’t the best game to play in, but you could see his qualities and hopefully we can figure out a partnership for the remainder of the season.
“A player like him can only help me and the team.
“His distribution, touch and technique are really good and I’m really happy he is here.”
Todorov’s goal was his sixth of the campaign, edging him ahead as the club’s top scorer.
Starved of the ball for long spells, his second half impact was a triumph of patience and perseverance for a highly-committed member of the Caley Thistle squad.
“It was a horrible game to watch and to play in as well, but I’m just really happy I could help the team,” the target man stressed.
“The boys were digging in really deep to get the result.
“For us, at the moment, it is important to win. How we win – ugly or pretty – doesn’t really matter. Obviously there is frustration that we didn’t play the way we know we are capable of, but a win is a win.
“It was our fourth on the bounce and another clean sheet, and a very important three points given where we want to be.”
The injury was a challenge pre-match, with Todorov’s selflessness potentially risking his place in Friday’s Scottish Cup derby. Fortunately, he emerged unscathed.
“I only trained on the day before the game because I came off with an injury in the previous game, which was frustrating,” the former Hearts striker said. “I did a lot of work through the week to make myself available for the Arbroath game. I’m really happy I was able to play.
“I don’t look at the goal as a personal achievement. Two of my last three goals have come from Cameron Harper’s crosses. It is all down to teamwork.
“Friday is going to be my first Highland derby and we can really look forward to that game now.
“We need a little bit of rest, but hopefully we can pick up another win to keep our run going. We’re confident from our last few games, but we don’t forget where we were only a few games ago.”
