ICT boss Richie Foran on the hunt for a Draper stand-in
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RICHIE Foran has challenged his midfielders to put their names forward to replace Ross Draper this weekend.
Suspension rules Draper out of the visit to Partick Thistle on Saturday, with Foran on the lookout for replacements.
Iain Vigurs appears to be in the driving seat after coming off the bench against Celtic. However Jake Mulraney, who missed last week’s game, could return in time, while Foran also has the option of changing system and playing an additional striker.
Aside from Draper, Foran must also do without Carl Tremarco, arguably the Caley Jags’ player of the season. He too incurs the punishment of a suspension after collecting his seventh yellow card of the season against Hearts last month.
Foran told the Highland News: “We’ve lost both Ross Draper and Carl Tremarco to suspension this weekend. Ross in particular is a big loss – he’s been pivotal in these last few results and will definitely be missed. But it gives the chance for someone else to come in.
“Ross can do a lot more going forward but he’s sacrificing himself for the team. He’s a leader out there and a big presence. A lot of the work he does goes unnoticed by a lot of people but not by his manager or his team-mates.”
Draper has certainly played his part in Caley Thistle tightening up defensively and playing a midfield with better shape.
Since the Hearts game last month, Draper had been playing in front of the back four, being moved further back by Foran to offer greater protection to the back four.
It has allowed greater freedom for Liam Polworth and Greg Tansey in the centre of the park, with license to roam forward and create.
Foran added: “We’ve been holding the full backs back too and although it takes away their attacking threat, particularly with Carl, they’re there to defend.”
While Draper and Tremarco are out suspended this weekend, there is better news for Caley Jags boss Foran on the injury front.
Jake Mulraney and Ryan Esson were both expected to return to training prior to the trip to Firhill, with Kevin McNaughton appearing on the substitutes’ bench in last week’s 4-0 loss against Celtic.
Lewis Horner is running again after his knee injury, which leaves just Josh Meekings in the treatment room. The defender hopes to be involved with the first-team again before the end of the season.
