David Proctor’s emergence as a central defender could mean Inverness manager Craig Brewster does not have to search for defensive cover in the summer.
The 24-year-old’s adaptability – he can play anywhere in defence or in the midfield wide areas – has often prevented him from becoming a first-team regular at Caledonian Stadium.
After injury ruled out captain Grant Munro and Phil McGuire for the rest of the season, Proctor has performed solidly after being moved into the centre of defence with Richard Hastings in the Caley Jags last three games.
The former Dundee United player has started Caley Thistle’s last seven matches and will almost certainly feature against St Mirren in the final game of the season today.
He said: “If I manage to save the club a bit of money and provide central defensive cover that would be good.
“Central defence is certainly an option in the long-term but it is still relatively new to me. I have only played a handful of games at the top level in the position.
“I am learning in every game I play in, as Richard Hastings has international experience (Canada) and Grant Munro has helped me as well. Even in training I am a bit more defensive-minded and trying to think as a defender. You never know what can happen and I could be thrown in at right midfield again.
“I have been involved a fair amount this season despite missing the first three games of the season, whether it has been starting or coming off the bench. It is just a case of building on that again for next season.
“I am getting to an age where I have to try to cement a place in the team.
“I need to come back in pre-season, work hard and start pushing to play every week.
“It is night and day from Dundee United to Inverness.
“I was right out the picture there and I went on loan to Airdrie to get games, but coming back in pre-season I was working hard but I knew I would never get a chance.
“I was delighted to come back up here and to be somewhere where you are appreciated and wanted makes a big difference.”