Inverness Caley Thistle defender Remi Savage looking towards Championship play-offs after reuniting with former Liverpool academy teammates Luis Longstaff and Morgan Boyes
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Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s latest signing Remi Savage insists there is still plenty of optimism in the Highland capital that they can reach the promotion play-offs.
A vital 3-2 win over Raith Rovers last Saturday saw the Caley Jags move to within five points of the Championship’s top four, and also doubled up as Savage’s first ever senior appearance.
The former Newcastle United and Liverpool youth has spent lots of time on the sidelines with injuries over the last few years, so there was an element of relief just to be back on the pitch at all.
After completing 60 minutes and picking up all three points, then, he is aiming high – both personally and for the team – over the rest of the campaign.
“I am really delighted to be back playing and get 60 minutes under my belt,” Savage said.
“Obviously we got the win which tops everything off and makes it even better.
“It has been a tough few years. I have to thank everyone at Newcastle for helping me get through, because it isn’t easy – especially when you have more than one long-term injury.
“Just being back training every day, I’m now really looking forward to the rest of the season and hopefully we can push up the table and challenge for promotion.
“I’ve only been here for a couple of days, but I already get the feeling that we know we can push for the play-offs.
“It’s a really good group, and we can definitely do it, so we’ll try our hardest.
“It started on Saturday with three points against a team that’s higher up in the league. We know that on our day we can get a result against anyone.”
While Savage has made the permanent move to Scotland for the first time, he did already know two of his new Inverness colleagues from years gone by.
Luis Longstaff and Morgan Boyes were both teammates of Savage’s in his Liverpool academy days, so the 22-year-old was able to test the waters before arriving at the Caledonian Stadium.
“It’s a big club – very far north, but Newcastle isn’t too far away,” Savage reasoned.
“I know a few of the lads who were here before me, so I texted them and got told it’s a good group of lads and a great gaffer as well. That’s what attracted me to the club.
“Morgan Boyes and Luis Longstaff didn’t have a bad word to say. That was a big thing, because you want to go into a nice group of lads. That’s what we’ve got here, so I’m happy.
“I’ve known those two for years, we were all at Liverpool together, so settling in will be fine.
“I have those guys who can take me under their arm and introduce me to all the staff and players, so it’s always good to have that.”
