Inverness Caley Thistle have started to win again. Why?
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As much as 2022 looked like staring at oblivion straight in the face, the new year has given new hope to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Two straight wins and 10 goals in the process, including yesterday's 4-1 win at Arbroath, the possibility of a relegation battle appears to be fading and the chances of ending the season at least in a promotion play-off place are growing.
So how did Inverness Caledonian Thistle go from going eight games without a win and being thrashed at Greenock Morton and Partick Thistle, to scoring goals for fun against Cove Rangers and Arbroath?
Devine intervention
2022 saw Wallace Duffy and Max Ram brutally exposed at centre back, especially in the 5-1 demolition of Partick Thistle and 4-0 defeat at Greenock Morton. To be fair Duffy was out of position with Zak Delaney thrust into left back in those games as Cameron Harper played in midfield when not injured.
But the freedom they allowed to the opposition, in particular to Partick and Morton, and just as much in the second half in the 2-1 defeat at Queen's Park, left goalkeepers Cammy Mackay and Mark Ridgers sitting ducks in those matches, with little or no chance of stopping those goals.
Danny Devine's re-emergence in the back line has resulted in it becoming more solid and less prone to leaking goals. They won't be happy in the manner with the goal they conceded against Arbroath. But in the second half, they hardly gave the Red Lichties a sniff at the net to the delight of Billy Dodds.
As long as Duffy continues to play at centre back from his preferred full back position, he needs an experienced hand beside him.
And with Robbie Deas out injured for the forseeable, the Northern Irishman may have to be Duffy's mentor into being a better centre back.
Carson back in back
Remember when David Carson came to Inverness as a midfielder? Then former interim manager Neil McCann pulled off a masterstoke and changed him to right back to arguably become the best player in that position in the division?
Carson made a return to the midfield, with the absences of players like Scott Allardice, Nathan Shaw and Sean Welsh towards the end of 2022.
Manager Billy Dodds quickly decided Ryan Barrett was not the right option at full back and his short term deal was not extended any further.
The signing of Jay Henderson on loan from St Mirren has allowed Dodds to move Carson back to right back. It was obvious how much his aggression and authority was missed in defence in the last two matches.
I will always get the impression Carson sometimes misses playing in midfield, but his importance to the back four was underlined with two terrific performances to kick-off 2023.
Encourage youth, but experience shines
The success of the last two games for Inverness Caledonian Thistle can largely be attributed to the performances of Sean Welsh and Aaron Doran.
Captain Welsh's presence has shown in particular against Cove Rangers, but also against Arbroath on Saturday. Bringing an authoritative voice to the midfield, he has the ability to control the tempo of a match. His partnership with Scott Allardice has been sorely missed due to injuries to both players this season.
But Welsh reminded us why he was given the captain's armband in the first place, leading by example on the pitch. He also reminded us what a danger he is at set piece and can deliver the passes required to be snapped up by those in front of goal.
Aaron Doran rolled back the years against Arbroath. The best player on the pitch, he was influential playing in an attacking midfielder role just behind Billy Mckay in a 4-4-1-1. Not always considered to be in the starting line-up this season, his performance at Gayfield with Mckay must give Dodds consideration that the Irishman can play a vital part in the second half of the campaign.
And another thing, With depth comes confidence.
Did bringing back players on loan and increasing the options on the bench allow Inverness Caledonian Thistle to be more adventurous and aggressive on the pitch?
With 10 first team players injured at one point, the bench was looking incredibly light at times. You would never doubt players' commitment, but when the squad was down to the bare bones, it could have been argued a mentality of playing it safe entered the team's mind for fear of getting injured. Not wanting to add to the ever growing casualty list at the time.
Bringing back players from loan such as Ethan Cairns, Lewis Nicolson and Robbie Thompson allowed them options on the bench. How much game time these youngsters get remains to be seen. But knowing there is options to call upon may allow Inverness to be more adventurous than they were towards the end of 2022.
