Billy Mckay touch and go for Inverness Caley Thistle's home match against Dundee
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Billy Mckay is being given a fighting chance of being fit for Caley Thistle’s hugely-important Championship tussle with Dundee tomorrow.
The potential boost came as manager Billy Dodds highlighted just how crucial a victory over the in-form Dark Blues could be for his team’s title ambitions.
There were fears that six-goal Mckay could become ICT’s latest longer-term casualty after exiting Saturday’s Scottish Cup win over Stirling with a calf issue.
“Billy will be touch and go for Saturday, but we will give him until the very last minute,” Dodds said.
“He came off with a very slight calf strain against Stirling, so he is another one we’re monitoring. He’s been doing a bit of work, so we will see how he is.”
Dodds, still without seven key players and with others not fully match ready, is looking for far better from his team than they produced in a lacklustre 3–2 cup win over part-time opponents.
However, the ICT boss saw a strong reaction in training this week.
With Danny Devine and Daniel MacKay back in the squad, and Sean Welsh also involved, the training ground has been busier, with more a buzz, building up to Dundee’s visit.
“The situation with injuries this week is very similar, but we just have to get on with it,” Dodds said.
“Players could come back more towards the end of January. That’s why, right now, we really need to dig in and ensure we pick up points to stay with teams.
“When I get players back who are out injured, I’m not saying they will be automatic starters, but they will bring healthy competition for places.
“When I get that, we will have a squad to really challenge in this Championship.”
Dundee, under manager of the month Gary Bowyer, have gone six games unbeaten and sit one point off the league summit.
Victory would take Inverness back to within two points of them.
“We need the players to be better than they were last week when they didn’t do the basics right, which made the game tough,” Dodds stressed.
“To beat Dundee, we need to be a whole lot better.
“It is not the be-all and end-all, but it is probably one of our most crucial games so far this season.
“We have to make sure we move the ball quicker and give the boys on the ball options through better movement.
“It is hard on the players who are churning it out every week, but we’re still showing we are competitive and a good team.
“It’s such a big game on Saturday and we’re really looking forward to it. We have beaten Dundee already this season.
“We know it’s going to be tough, but if we put on a performance I know what my team are capable of.”
