Wing back says Inverness Caley Thistle must step up in front of goal
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David Carson has called on Inverness Caledonian Thistle to step up to the plate in front of goal.
Despite having the third-best defensive record in the Championship this season, the Caley Jags also have the third-worst goal tally.
Inverness have scored more than one goal in a league match just four times out of 17 matches in 2022/23, so there is obvious room for improvement should they want to get back among the teams at the top of the table.
Carson believes Caley Thistle need to be braver going forward to commit more bodies into the opposition penalty area, but is confident the ability is there to finish chances that are created.
“Obviously we work on certain aspects for different games depending on the gameplan,” Carson explained.
“In some games we’ve had a lot of chances, and the gaffer has said before he wants more bodies in the box.
“He’s said it doesn’t have to be a perfect goal.
“Even if we can just bundle the ball over the line that’s good. Any goal, even a scrappy one, will give us a lift at the minute.
“We’ve got the players to do that, and we’ve got players who can score goals, so once we get into the final third boys need to step up to the plate.
“The performances have definitely improved, and there has probably been a bit of disappointment when we haven’t picked up points.
“We’ve just got to stay positive, and after a little rest (in recent weeks) we’ll have a few boys fighting to get back. Hopefully we start to get the rub of the green.”
Carson has sat at home the last two weekends, most recently because the league trip to Hamilton was postponed, and previously because ICT fielded a mostly under-18s side in the SPFL Trust Trophy.
Some of those youngsters have been around the first team squad on a regular basis this season because of Caley Thistle’s injury crisis, and Carson says he has been doing what he can to help their progress.
“It’s always difficult coming in as a young boy and trying to earn a spot,” he said.
“When you’re an experienced player you’ve been in those situations before, so you know how they will be feeling when they come into that environment.
“I remember when I was a young boy, that certainly helped me having experienced guys there, so you try to give them as much guidance as you can.
“A lot of them have kicked on and improved, so it’s now down to the manager to pick them and them to prove why they should still be involved in weeks to come.”
