Polworth says Foran's Caley Jags can silence doubters again
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
LIAM Polworth is puzzled by pundits annually writing Caley Thistle off – but insists the players are determined to be winners under new boss Richie Foran.
The 21-year-old attacking midfielder, who signed a three-year contract extension with his home city club in April, bagged a late equaliser in a 1-1 draw at Highland League side Brora Rangers on Tuesday as Inverness kicked off their pre-season schedule.
Foran, who hung up his boots and moved from skipper to manager following the departure of John Hughes, has shaped up his squad with freed QPR wide-man Jake Mulraney (20) and 26-year-old ex-Newport County striker Scott Boden.
Caley Thistle’s injury-ravaged season meant they just missed out on top six last term, but that came 12 months after Scottish Cup glory and a third place finish. Polworth, son of Clach manager Iain, is relishing the chance to mix it with the best again and the club continue to show they are one of the best sides in the country.
“We don’t understand why people perhaps write us off but that doesn’t bother us. We will just go out and play and show that we’re a good side who can compete well in this league,” he said.
“Everyone will enjoy Rangers being back in the league. There will be a lot more eyes on the league this season and it provides more competition. Every team will enjoy going to Ibrox and it will be another game for us where we will be going out to win.”
Polworth says all the players are determined to work their socks off for Foran, who showed his leadership qualities as captain before being handed a four-year reward in the hot-seat.
“The manager will have his own ideas and we’re all enjoying working with him every day,” he added. “We’re all putting in the work and hopefully it will lead to us getting the results we’re after.
“Richie was a leader of the club when he was the captain and now he’s the manager we all respect him, we’re raring to go and win games for him. When a new manager comes in, you never know what’s going to happen, but you just put in the effort and that can lead to good things.”
Foran, meanwhile, could make former Scotland, Aberdeen and Cardiff City defender Kevin McNaughton his third summer signing. The 33-year-old played 45 minutes at Brora as Foran changed his entire team at the interval, giving several youngsters a chance.
McNaughton, after leaving Wigan Athletic, is on the hunt for a club and a decision could be made in the next 24 hours.
“Kevin missed a bit of last season through injury but he’s looking strong,” said Foran. “He shows composure on the ball, has pace and reads the game well because of his experience. He is low maintenance and just gets on about his work. He could be exactly what we are looking for but we will wait a few more days and have a chat with him at the end of the week.”
*** Last night (Thursday, after we went to press) Caley Thistle were in pre-season action at managerless Nairn County and tomorrow they take on Buckie Thistle at Victoria Park in Andy Low’s testimonial. They will then take a team across the city to face Clach at Grant Street Park in a noon start on Sunday.
