New Caley Thistle signing expects physical opener with Dunfermline
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SCOTT Allardice says Caley Thistle must prepare themselves for a physical battle when they head to Dunfermline Athletic tomorrow.
Inverness open their Championship campaign at East End Park against the Pars who have made some impressive signings, particularly in defence.
They include former Rangers and Hibernian full back Steven Whittaker, and ex-Dundee United centre back Paul Watson.
In addition they have added ex-Ross County striker Declan McManus and forward Kevin O’Hara from Alloa Athletic.
Allardice, who signed from Irish club Waterford this summer, says Inverness are expecting a physical battle.
“They are going to make it stuffy and will make it hard for us,” he said.
“It will be an absolute physical battle. I expect a scrappy start in the first 20 minutes of the game.
“So we need to win individual battles and then in the final third, produce that bit of quality that will give us the win.”
The Championship season has been reduced to 27 games due to the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.
Allardice says it is vital Caley Thistle get the campaign off to a positive start as they chase promotion to the Premiership.
“It is massive and we have to hit the ground running,” he said.
“If we can win on Saturday then it will build momentum into the league which is a shortened season.
“If we start well, then who is to say that we can’t go and win every match.”
Caley Thistle have yet to score a competitive goal in normal time this season after failing to find the net against Hearts and Cowdenbeath. Allardice recognised improvement is required.
Allardice added: “It’s disappointing we didn’t beat Cowdenbeath, we had more than enough chances and that is where we need to get better.”
