Home   Sport   Article

Quarter final win can inspire Inverness Caledonian Thistle to play-off


By SPP Reporter

Easier access to your trusted, local news. Subscribe to a digital package and support local news publishing.



Click here to sign up to our free newsletters!
Aaron Doran scoring the winning goal against Dundee United. Picture: Ken Macpherson
Aaron Doran scoring the winning goal against Dundee United. Picture: Ken Macpherson

The Irishman scored an injury time winner in the 2-1 victory at Dundee United to set up a semi final date at Hampden.

While looking forward to a date at the national stadium next month, the vice-captain also thinks it will give them the confidence to secure a top four finish at the end of the regular season.

“It’s a great feeling and it is brilliant for the club,” he said.

“The season has been up and down in the league.

“So to go on this cup run, it is going to help push us towards the play-offs hopefully.”

The semi final draw, which included Aberdeen, Celtic and Rangers, took place after the game between Partick Thistle and Hearts last night after the Courier had gone to press.

But Doran was unconcerned about who they had drawn. He said they have already proven they have relished having the underdogs tag in the competition.

“When we have played Ross County and Dundee United this season they have never been the better side against us.

“We are confident now and we are playing nice football and we know what we want to do.

“We will look to kick on in the league but it’s pretty big for the club to get to the semi final and that is where we want to be.

“We want to be a Premiership club again but to make the semi final as a Championship club is great for all the lads and shows how far we have come.

“Hopefully we get to the final.”

Doran says Inverness deserved their quarter final victory at Tannadice saying they produced the kind of attacking football they are capable of.

“We controlled all the first half and played nice stuff.

“We passed the ball well and were turning defences and caused them all sorts of problems.

“They came into it in the second half after getting the penalty.

“But we were on top for most of the game.”

Two controversial moments threatened to ruin Caley Thistle reaching the last four.

ICT claimed Paul McMullan dived for a penalty despite Jordan White getting slight contact on him.

However television replays showed Nathan Austin’s goal should not have been ruled offside.

“For Dundee United’s penalty I couldn’t see through most of the bodies,” says Doran.

“But the lads said it was a dive so I will go with what they are saying.

“I spoke to Nathan after the game and he was told his arms was offside.

“I don’t know if that counts.

“But we kept going, we went 90 minutes and got what we deserved.”

Doran was part of the Caley Thistle team that won the Scottish Cup in 2015.

He says nothing would ever beat that day in his football career but is relishing the chance of heading back to Hampden and creating more memories.

“That was the best year of my career.

“It is a brilliant day out for everyone and everybody can go and watch us at Hampden.

“We want to go as far we can in the competition and get to the final.”


Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.



This site uses cookies. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies - Learn More