Caley Thistle face difficult start with key players absent
injuries and suspensions mean butcher’s side begins new campaign under strength
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The new season may be a month away, but Caley Thistle will be without three first-team regulars for their opening game of the First Division campaign at Dunfermline.
Forward Eric Odhiambo broke a metatarsal in training and will be out for six weeks, Irish forward Richie Foran is suspended for the game against the Pars on Saturday, August 8, as is defender Ross Tokely who is suspended for the first four games of the campaign following his sending off against Falkirk in the final game of last term.
Although Foran and Tokely featured in the 6-1 friendly win against Clach on Tuesday night, Dutch trialist Chris de Wagt – a 24-year-old central defender who plays for SC Cambuur-Leeuwarden in the Dutch First Division – was also injured in training and could not play at Grant Street Park.
Former Aberdeen and Montrose goalkeeper Greg Kelly is also on trial with the Highland club and played the second half against Clach.
Inverness manager Terry Butcher knows he cannot afford to suffer any more injuries before the season begins.
He said: “Injuries and suspensions happen – we just have to get on with it.
“The squad will have to adapt, it will be an even more difficult start with people being out.
“Three players that would have been in the team will be out and hopefully there won’t be any more.
“We will have to prepare in the right way and make sure the players look after themselves but you can’t wrap them in cotton wool.
“Eric Odhiambo will miss the start of the season, he has broken a metatarsal in his right foot and will be out for four to six weeks.
“It was confirmed after he had an X-ray and I think it was Ross Tokely who stood on his foot but it was a complete accident.
“Adam Rooney had a swollen knee and missed the Clach game and the trialist Chris de Wagt was involved in a collision with Richie Foran.
“Chris would have played and we are looking to get two or three more players in before the end of the week to play at Buckie on Saturday.
“We are also looking at Greg Kelly. Ryan Esson knows him from his time at Aberdeen. He has worked very hard and looks good, he is young enough and eager enough.
“It is hard to say how many players we need, we don’t know how many more injuries we are going to get – we still need players in wider areas.
“We are looking to strengthen and there are plenty of places to fill at the moment.”
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