Caley Thistle manager Richie Foran is ready to give young midfielder Jake Mulraney a prolonged chance in his team.
Foran has eased Mulraney into life in the Premiership since signing him from QPR in the summer, with the Irishman making only his third league start for the Highlanders in Saturday’s 3-1 home win against Dundee.
The 20-year-old’s only first-team experience before his move north came last season, when he made 15 appearances during loans with Dagenham & Redbridge and Stevenage.
Mulraney came in for rough treatment during Caley Jags’ Betfred Cup matches earlier in the season, and although Foran acknowledges the midfielder has plenty still to learn, he has been pleased by his progress.
Foran said: “Jake is going to get kicked at times.
“He was a youngster when he first came in here and he couldn’t handle that, but now he’s a man.
“He’s accepting it and he’s smiling.
“He’s getting on the ball and causing teams problems, and he’s walking away without crying to the referee about it.
“He did well against Dundee.”
Foran has also hinted midfielder Aaron Doran is closing on a return to the team, having made six substitute appearances so far this season following his return from a 13-month absence due to a knee injury last month.
Foran added: “We had Aaron playing in the Development League games but he was missing the high-intensity training sessions on a Tuesday and Thursday.
“He’s now been doing those sessions with the rest of the players and I can see the difference with him. He’s very close to starting a game.
“He’s looking hungry and we all know what he gives us. He’s got composure in the final third, his assists speak for themselves and he’s a goal threat. He’s a very clever player and a great one for us to have.”
