Scott Allardice not ruling out a comeback of Inverness Caledonian Thistle before the end of the season
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SCOTT Allardice is “not ruling out” a dramatic ahead-of-schedule return to action to boost Caley Thistle’s Premiership play-off chances.
The talented midfielder, one of the club’s outstanding performers before a shattering knee injury in January, was expected to miss the rest of the season.
Allardice, though, had the protective brace on his knee removed last week and began running again for the first time since breaking down in the January 8 draw with Raith Rovers.
The robust playmaker hopes hard work in the gym during rehab will give him a chance of featuring in up to six Premiership play-off matches that could await Billy Dodds’ side if they seal a top four finish.
“I’m in a good place now,” the 24-year-old Dundonian said. “I was in the brace for three months and that’s finally off. I’m bumping up the running now. I’ve been careful to do everything right during rehab.
“I certainly wouldn’t rule out playing again this season.
“This next week is probably quite a big one for me in terms of stepping it up. I respect all of the staff’s opinions, but I certainly don’t want to be held back for the sake of being held back.
“Obviously, I need to look at the bigger picture and that’s being back for next season, but if I can play a part I’ll be happy.
“I don’t know how big a part that would be, but to get through the play-offs it is six games in a short period of time and we’re going to need everyone.”
Allardice, while returning home to family early on in his recuperation, shares a place with defender Robbie Deas who helped keep his spirits up.
After long weeks and months out, the central midfielder – who featured in all 29 league and cup matches before injury – will have a fresh appreciation and appetite for the game.
“Everyone’s the same. There are things you take for granted before injury,” he said.
“When it is taken away from you, whether football or just being able to walk without a brace, you appreciate it all the more.
“I’ve never lacked hunger for the game, but it just adds to it. I want to make up for lost time.
“Coming back, once I get match fitness I’m in a good place so long as my knee holds up, which I think it will.
“I’d had a terrific 18 months of regular football with Caley Thistle since joining. I did the injury in the first half against Raith and didn’t think anything of it. Adrenaline carries you through. Later in the game, I knew something wasn’t right.
“Given the first half of the season we’d had, I was really looking forward to kicking on in the new year, then it happened.
“It’s part and parcel of what the game can throw at you. In a way I was fortunate to come through a couple of bad injuries when I was younger.
“On the mental side, I’d done it before and could handle it.”
