Former Inverness Caley Thistle player Ross Tokely returns to Highland League action with Nairn County
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ROSS Tokely is already convinced Nairn County have the quality to climb the table after taking his first bow for the third bottom side on Saturday.
The super-veteran made his club debut at the age of 43 in a 1-1 draw away to Keith.
Caley Thistle legend Tokely, these days a running enthusiast, was a surprise capture from North Caledonian League team St Duthus in a sudden move that even took him by surprise.
Supporters at Kynoch Park, though, saw Tokely defy the years after slotting into central defence alongside Fraser Dingwall.
The point lifted Nairn nine points above bottom side Banks O’ Dee, still smarting after a 24-point deduction for repeatedly fielding an unregistered player.
They also sit six points above winless Strathspey Thistle, who remain favourites for the wooden spoon and a potential relegation play-off.
Tokely, though, feels Nairn should only be looking upwards.
“There’s definitely plenty to be encouraged about. In the likes of Conor Gethins, Andrew Greig and Scottie Davidson, we have players who are among the best in the league,” he said.
“They have been top players in the league for the past five or six years or longer, so there’s plenty of potential in the team.
“The midfield was excellent on Saturday as well. I slotted in at the back and Fraser Dingwall beside me did really great.
“It wasn’t just about me, it was about the team getting a result - and I thought we played really well as a team.”
A Stuart Hutcheon penalty put the Maroons ahead in first half stoppage time, but the Kynoch Park support were silenced at the death by Angus Dey’s second half stoppage time reply.
Far from suffering the aches and pains on Sunday morning, Tokely felt so good and fresh he went for a run.
The ICT appearances record holder these days fits 10Ks and half marathon training into his busy lifestyle and piled in the miles on Sunday morning before taking the Caley Thistle under-16s to Livingston.
“I just really enjoyed it. It was good to be back involved,” he said.
“It came out of the blue and I’m enjoying every minute of it.
“If I can help out, even better.
“I felt fine, to the extent that I went out for a run on Sunday morning before I left to coach the Caley Thistle under-16s down at Livingston. The legs are good.”
Nairn’s late leveller was hotly-contested, with Keith manager Craig Ewen red-carded. The Maroons felt they should have had a free-kick in the build-up, before Dey’s deflected shot found the net.
Nairn boss Steven Mackay, though, felt his team should have won.
“A draw was the least we deserved, given how we played,” Mackay said.
“Ross Tokely was exceptional and I would also single out young Fraser Dingwall for extra praise.”
