Midfielder James Vincent returning at perfect moment for Inverness Caledonian Thistle
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James Vincent believes he is getting back to full fitness at just the right time to help Inverness Caledonian Thistle wrap up the season in style.
The Caley Jags are in the promotion play-off mix, and will be bidding to reach the Scottish Cup quarter finals for the third season in-a-row when they travel to St Mirren on Saturday.
On a personal note, Vincent’s campaign has been affected by injury, but substitute appearances in each of ICT’s last two matches have put him back in contention for the run in.
With an exciting amount of potential success still up for grabs, the 31-year-old believes he has a part to play to get Inverness over the line.
“I think it can be a fantastic end to the season for us, I really do,” he said.
“We’re really gathering up some good momentum, and everything is about the next game.
“We’re trying not to think too far ahead.
“That has worked well for us recently – we’ve just been getting the gameplan right and fortunately it has been happening for us.
“We’re on a good run of form, and hopefully I can get myself into the starting 11 sooner rather than later and keep my place.
“I still think I’ve got a lot to offer, and so far that has been coming off the bench and having an impact, which is all I can do.”
Vincent suspects the knock-on effects of the pandemic are still having an impact on fitness levels in what has been a unique season.
Many players have had long term absences in 2020/21, but for Vincent other factors have played a role too – the midfielder lost his mother last month.
So he is thankful to have had a strong support network to help him through the tough times.
“We started slightly late, a lot of lads picked up injuries and a lot of people never really got up to speed and consistently going,” he explained.
“We’ve had quite a few boys who have had lengthy lay-offs, a couple of the wide men have done their hamstrings and quads.
“For myself, I got a good run and then minor injuries would knock me out for a week or two and I’d be back at square one again, needing to fight for my place.
“I had a moment last month when my mum passed. All the fans were fantastic to me, they all reached out and made the process easier.
“I’m lucky that I’ve got a good family around me, and a close network of friends that were all there to support me, and offer me advice.
“The manager was the same, he helped me, but when it reaches fans – people you wouldn’t always expect – it shows that in the footballing world you’re not alone when these things happen.
“I’m grateful for that, I really appreciate it.”
