ANDY Barrowman is pushing hard for a place in the Caley Thistle starting line-up as manager Terry Butcher prepares to ring the changes after the draining midweek League Cup exit at Motherwell.
Butcher’s squad was pushed to the limit in Tuesday’s 3-2 extra-time defeat at Fir Park, where it was forced to play for 50 minutes with 10 men after David Proctor’s red card.
Caley Jags are looking to kick-start their First Division campaign against Partick Thistle at Caledonian Sta-dium today and Butcher admitted it may require fresh faces such as Barrowman, whose goal in Lanarkshire was his first in 12 months.
The manager said: “Andy came on and did well. His attitude has been great. He has certainly pushed his claim, as have a few others.
“It was a great header after good movement. Goalscorers thrive on scoring, but there is good competition in the forward line. Adam Rooney has done well and we have Dani Sanchez there as well so we have options.
“It was a tiring evening, going all the way to extra time and then getting back late.
“It is hard enough playing 11 against 11 but 11 versus 10 put even more pressure on our fitness.
“Partick Thistle did not have a game during the week so we may have to freshen things up and bring in some players who did not start on Tuesday. It might be an opportunity for others.”
Butcher knows what to expect from today’s opponents. Caley Jags defeated Partick after a penalty shootout in the Challenge Cup in Glasgow last month.
He said: “Partick are good opposition. They looked strong last weekend and they have had some good results, particularly at home.
“Players such as Simon Donnelly have came in and they have Liam Buchanan returning from suspension. They gave us problems in the Challenge Cup match, especially in the second half, so we are well aware how good they are.
“Our players knew how good Motherwell were as well so it is about treating teams with respect and performing with the ball. We have stumbled in the league so far so we need to make sure we are all on the same wavelength against Thistle.”