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Inverness Caley Thistle boss Scott Kellacher embraces a “whatever it takes” attitude as Highland club chases Scottish League One survival





Scott Kellacher is adopting a “whatever it takes” attitude as Caley Thistle strive to build winning momentum in League One.

The administration-hit Highlanders have proven themselves as one of the division’s most attractive passing teams of late, without always claiming full rewards.

With 22 games left to bridge a 10-point chasm on third bottom Annan Athletic, head coach Kellacher admits he cares little for aesthetics in the club’s survival fight.

“There are different ways to win games of football and that’s something we need to start adding to our game,” Kellacher acknowledged.

“We’ve controlled a lot of games, producing some very good football at times. It has been good to see us get our rewards for that recently in the two games against Cove and Alloa in the league.

“It is whatever it takes to win a game of football.

“Whether it is an ugly performance or a wonderful performance, that’s where we’re at right now.

“As long as we win the game of football, that’s what is most important.”

Caley Thistle exited the Scottish Cup in controversial circumstances away to Cove Rangers last weekend, with a disputed penalty kick for handball against Danny Devine turning the game against them.

League momentum has been building, though, after three wins and a draw in their last five matches.

“We were absolutely gutted last week with the way the game against Cove ended, but that’s in the past now,” Kellacher said.

“Our focus is on the league. We know what’s at stake and what we need to do in the next few weeks and months.

“If you can put two or three wins together, we’ve seen how tight the league is. It is changing every week.

“Stenhousemuir are top of the league now, but it was Cove and then Alloa only recently.

“All of the teams are more than capable of beating each other and we’re capable of beating anyone.

“That’s why we need to make sure we’re at it every week.”

Montrose were knocked out of the Championship play-offs by Caley Thistle late last season, with a single Billy Mckay goal settling it over two legs.

Caley Thistle then succumbed to a play-off final defeat to Hamilton Accies.

Kellacher remembers just how difficult the scoreless first leg in Montrose proved in the double-header.

“They have some very good players at Montrose. Their manager Stewart Petrie has done a great job,” Kellacher stressed.

“It is a really hard place to go and our boys are aware of that.

“We played them down there last year and we remember how hard the game was.

“We will have to be at our best to get something but we’ll be as positive as we can.”

Kellacher has defender Remi Savage and attacker Keith Bray back in light training, but may be reluctant to risk them after respective back and shoulder issues.

Jake Davidson, Lewis Nicolson, Connall Ewan and Charlie Reilly remain sidelined.

“We’ve had a few boys injured of late and two or three are 50-50 at the moment,” Kellacher said.

“We’ll wait and see. Remi Savage did a little bit of light running today, which was a boost. Keith Bray also did some running work.

“We’ll see how they get on in terms of any reaction they might have, do a bit more work with them tomorrow and see if they are in the picture for Saturday.

“Much as we want them back, we can’t take chances in rushing them given the circumstances we’re in and the size of squad we have.

“It is important we look after them and try to do the right thing by them.

“The boys know that as well. I know they are trying to push themselves a wee bit, but we have to be sensible with them.”


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