Caley Thistle star Liam Polworth set for spell out - with the door open for Larnell Cole
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LIAM Polworth’s injury could present a first-team opportunity to Caley Thistle’s on-loan star Larnell Cole.
Scans on Polworth’s injury – picked up in the 3-0 defeat at Celtic – look set to keep him out for a significant period of time, which could open the door for Cole.
Caley Jags boss Richie Foran has been impressed with Cole’s patience, having had to overcome an achilles injury following his loan move from Fulham.
He replaced Polworth at Parkhead and there could well be an opening in the side for the former Manchester United youngster when Inverness return to league action next weekend.
Foran also hopes to have Aaron Doran and Carl Tremarco available for the Aberdeen game, although Polworth’s diagnosis is not good.
Foran told the Highland News: “Liam had a scan on Tuesday morning and we’re thinking it’s ligament damage.
“It’s quite possible that we’ll lose him for a period. He’s still hobbling around on crutches, which doesn’t look good.
“He’s the only player that hasn’t missed a training session – he doesn’t get injured. So for him to be hobbling around means it could be a bad one.
“He won’t let it faze him. He’s really come out of his shell in the last couple of years. You wouldn’t get a word out of him in the changing room when he first came in.
“I’ve been waiting to get Larnell a start. The team’s been flying high so it’s been tough for him. He’s been patient and he gets his head down – you can see his quality and if it is him, he certainly won’t let us down.
“Larnell deserves his chance now. He’s worked hard and looked good in training. It could be his opportunity.”
The international break comes at a good time for Foran, with only Polworth set to be unavailable for the home game against the Dons on November 19.
Owain Fon Williams, who made his return against Celtic last weekend, headed down to Wales this week ahead of their game with Serbia.
Another on international duty is French-born striker Lonsana Doumbouya, who received his maiden call-up to the Guinea squad last month.
Doumbouya will be in line for his debut against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Sunday, an honour which delights his club boss.
Foran said: “We’re absolutely delighted for him. When he came in his English wasn’t great but the first thing he did was to book English lessons.
“He wants to be part of a successful team here. There’s still more to come from him.”
There is no completion yet on Alex Fisher’s contract extension, with the striker at St George’s Park this week as he steps up his return to match fitness.
A six-month extension is on the table for Fisher and he said last week that he was thrilled to have been offered the chance to stay.
Foran hopes to have the deal tied up next week, although there is no further movement at present on other extensions.
