Josh Meekings primed for Caley Thistle returns as Richie Foran holds off dealing in Farid El Alagui
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JOSH Meekings is primed for a return from injury as Caley Thistle boss Richie Foran targets defensive reinforcements.
Former Ipswich man Meekings has not played since the pre-season friendly at Nairn but is ready to start, if called upon, at Hearts tomorrow.
Foran is also seeking cover at the back, with Kevin McNaughton set to miss the majority of the season with a ruptured. That means any deal for former Hibernian and Falkirk striker Farid El Alagui, who has been on trial over the last week, is on hold.
An attempt to bring in Scott Wright from Aberdeen has also been rebuffed but the primary focus now for Foran is strengthening at the back.
Gary Warren has been the only fit senior centre-half, with Jason Brown, promoted from the Development Squad this season, having only a half-hour substitute appearance against Arbroath under his belt.
McNaughton’s injury and the lack of defensive options in the meantime will likely mean a return for Meekings tomorrow at Tynecastle.
Foran stopped short of committing to starting the 23-year-old, but insists he is ready to step into the breach if required.
“He’s got a chance. He played a full game for us on Tuesday night against Nairn County, without problems,” said Foran. “He can be a huge player for us. He’s strong, aggressive, a talker and an organiser and his pace at the back is big for us “It gives the rest of the back four lots of confidence knowing he has that pace. We can play that little bit higher up the park as well.
“He and Gary Warren were fantastic together. Gary really enjoys playing with Josh and vice-versa.
“I still haven’t decided on the team yet and whether it is too early to push Josh in. I’ll decide tomorrow or maybe even leave it until Saturday morning, but he has a chance.”
Foran added that in the coming weeks, sitting down with Meekings to discuss his long-term future – his contract is up at the end of the season – is on his agenda.
“He is very much one we want to hold onto. We’ll be speaking to Josh soon enough about that. It would be nice to get him tied up for a little bit longer,” he said. “He’s big part of the team and a big part of the club. He enjoys it up here, so it would be nice to make sure he stays a little bit longer.”
El Alagui has impressed during his two friendly appearances - he netted a hat-trick in midweek against Nairn County – and Foran was mulling over whether to offer him a deal last night.
His bid to bring in a striker was hampered further by Aberdeen’s reluctance to loan out Wright, who featured fleetingly in the Dons’ Europa League campaign.
Foran spoke yesterday of his admiration for the teenager but was now turning his attention elsewhere.
“He’s a fantastic young prospect, but they want to hang onto him. They’re not wanting to let him out on loan just yet, which is a little disappointing,” added Foran. “It’s all about using your finances wisely. We need a good defender coming in, someone with a fair bit of experience. Obviously, those types don’t come cheap. So that’s my priority now and I’d like to sign a striker as well.
“There’s a little more talking to do (with Farid). We have to look at our finances obviously as well, with Kevin getting injured. We need another defender.”
One man who could benefit from the current defensive situation is Brown.
Trusted by Foran this season that he could make the step up to the first-team, he has been in every match-day squad and featured in the last game of the Betfred Cup group stages.
“He said everyone would get their chance and that’s all you can ask for,” said Brown. “I’ve had a great couple of years at under-20s and it’s now time to push to see if I can get a place in the team.
“I’ve just got to keep impressing in training and working hard and hopefully my chance will come. No-one wants to see injuries but if a chance is there, I’ll be there to take it.
“We’ve got a tight squad here so with a couple of injuries, you could be in on a Saturday. You never know what’s round the corner. Richie has been really good to us. Young lads or senior lads, we know we’re going to get a chance. I’m feeling fit and physically strong and ready to be called on.”
The Aberdeen-born defender has praised Meekings and Warren for their influence on him in his young career so far, but he has competition a little closer to home in the football stakes.
Brown’s brother Jordon, who came through the youth system at Aberdeen, is a midfielder for Peterhead and the two are regularly in contact about how one another is getting on.
“My brother is another voice I can go to. It’s great to see us both doing well - it’s good to have a bit of competition in the family!” he said. “He’s always asking how I get on and I do the same.
“We did a lot of things together growing up, whether it was football, golf or table-tennis. I was always the winner though, although he might say something different!”
– THE Inverness Courier has teamed up with Caley Thistle’s main sponsors McEwan Fraser Legal Solicitors & Estate Agents to offer you the chance to snap up a pair of tickets for every home Premiership game this season.
For a chance to win two home tickets to ICT v St Johnstone on Saturday, August 27, simply email the answer to the following question to sports@inverness-courier.co.uk
What was the score the last time St Johnstone visited the Tulloch Caledonian Stadium?
Entries should reach us by 5pm on Monday, August 22.
McEwan Fraser Legal Solicitors & Estate Agents are proud main club sponsors of Inverness Caledonian Thistle for 2016-2018. Find out more at www.mcewanfraserlegal.co.uk
