Caley Thistle's David Carson hopes Scottish Cup tie against Stirling can relaunch Inverness title bid
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David Carson believes a rousing Scottish Cup victory against minnows Stirling Albion can breathe fresh momentum into Caley Thistle’s league challenge.
The versatile midfielder was in fine form back in the heart of midfield during Saturday’s encouraging 2–2 draw with leaders Ayr United.
The strong showing by the injury-ravaged hosts kept them six points off the summit, with last season’s right back convert Carson adding energy and bite back in his natural centre midfield role.
Caley Thistle will need to beware of the League Two title challengers who have developed good winning habits, tasting defeat only once in their last 11 matches.
The part-time Binos sit just three points off leaders Dumbarton in their quest for promotion.
Carson feels the cup game can allow some of the club’s walking wounded time to recuperate, but knows the importance of winning the tie, stressing: “We are going into the game with a bit of confidence after our performance against Ayr.
“We were a little bit frustrated after Saturday because we felt like we deserved the win, but we know a win against Stirling can feed some momentum into the league campaign.
“It’s a break from the league, giving some other boys a chance to get back to full fitness for the next league game.
“But it’s an important fixture in its own right and one we’re desperate to progress in. The cup in itself is one the club has a great tradition in and if we can get through this round we’ll see where it leaves us when the fourth round draw is made.”
Carson didn’t hide his enjoyment at being back in the middle of the park last weekend.
“I came here as a midfielder and obviously I’ve been transformed into a right-back,” he said.
“It was good to get back in there against Ayr. I’ve got a lot more involvement and influence on the game there and I like to be in the thick of it, using my energy.
“Sometimes, as a full-back, you hold back a little bit to make sure you do the defensive side properly. There is that discipline in midfield as well, but you get much more of a licence to get on the ball and attack teams.
“I can’t lie – I enjoyed it last weekend, but ultimately I just want to be playing in a winning team.”
Carson understands criticisms levelled at ICT after six games without victory, albeit amid an extraordinary injury crisis.
Repeatedly, manager Billy Dodds has been without almost a full team’s worth of players.
“A few boys on Saturday proved they should be in the team whether there are injuries or not,” he added.
“The fans want to win games as much as the players, but there is nobody who hurts more than us players when we don’t win.”
