Top flight dream is driving players on at Inverness Caledonian Thistle
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SCOTT Allardice says the chance to play in the Premiership next season is driving Inverness Caledonian Thistle’s Championship title challenge on.
Inverness held league leaders Arbroath to a 0–0 draw at Gayfield on Sunday to remain three points behind in second place with a game in hand.
They will look to keep up the pace when they welcome Raith Rovers to the Caledonian Stadium on Saturday.
Allardice, who joined Inverness last season, says the motivation for him is to be playing at the top level of Scottish football next season.
He says that is an mentality which is replicated with his fellow teammates as everyone is targeting promotion.
“That is where we want to play and try and challenge ourselves at the best level that we possibly can.
“The Premiership is the big step up, we want to play at that level and we want to get Inverness up there.
“If we want to do it this year, it would suit everyone who wants to challenge themselves at the next level.
“But there is a long way to go. But we all want to get up there, especially the young boys such as myself, Robbie Deas, Roddy Macgregor and Cameron Harper.
“All the boys want to progress their career and the Premiership is that next step and show we are capable of flourishing in that league.”
Playing in the top flight is not just an aspiration for the younger players in the squad said Allardice.
He says the more experienced members of the squad are also looking for another crack at the top flight.
“As much as we have the desire to play in the Premiership for the first time, we have guys like Kirk Broadfoot and Billy Mckay that have been there before,” said Allardice.
“That extra bit of experience helps, we have an improved squad and that is the main thing we have improved from last season.
“You also have Aaron Doran, Sean Welsh and Danny Devine as well as Shane Sutherland who have a lot of experience.
“As much as it is a desire for us young players, it is a desire for them to challenge themselves. Throughout the squad we have all played a good few seasons of senior football and we are improving and adapting each week.”
Allardice says it is the most open Championship in years, but is confident they can come out on top.
“This year it is more of an even field. Everyone thinks they can do, but we believe we can do and we are more than capable of the teams around us we can pick up points.”
