Top half isn't punching above our weight - Brill
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DEAN Brill believes Caley Thistle have proved they are one of Scotland’s best footballing sides – and he sees no reason why that should change.
The 28-year-old is the Scottish Premiership club’s number one and he had an impressive 22 shuts-out in 45 games, and played a key part in securing ICT a second successive upper half finish.
Before going on his well-earned break, the big Englishman told the HN: “For a club like Inverness to finish in the top six for the second successive year is fantastic.
“It’s an exciting league, taking on the likes of Celtic, Motherwell, Aberdeen, Dundee United and St Johnstone. There are so many teams up there competing and I am sure that the boys who finished in the bottom six this season will all strengthen for next season, so we look forward to it.
“People perhaps say we punch above our weight, but in the dressing room we don’t feel that. There comes a point when people say we deserve to be where we are. I am sure we can have another good season next year.”
Brill arrived in the Highland capital last summer as part of a loan deal secured by then manager Terry Butcher from Luton Town. However, within months, having forced Ryan Esson on to the bench, he signed a three-year permanent contract.
He clearly doesn’t regret one moment of that decision, adding: “I have been grateful for the chance to play here at Inverness.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute of it and that’s why I signed a permanent deal. There are no second thoughts and it’s been fantastic.
“We have a small squad, but we do have most of the boys signed up for next year and that gives us a head start on a few clubs.
“I am sure the manager will look to add to that.
“He wants to push this club on. As players, we want to push on and we know, as players, that comes by adding more quality and competition for places.”
The Luton-born shot-stopper felt the fact that beating their 2012/13 tally yet dropping one place in the final league table shows that those clubs above them – Celtic, Motherwell, Aberdeen and Dundee United – all raised their game.
He explained: “When you look back you might be a bit disappointed that we didn’t finish higher, but it has been an historic season for the club by reaching the League Cup final and finishing with more points than last year and finishing fifth.
I think that also shows how well the other teams have improved.
“It was a long season, but a lot of that was down to our own success in the League Cup. It’s been very enjoyable two halves to the season, with the old manager moving on. The boys will look forward to their holidays now, but also with one eye on coming back and improving next year.”
