Caley Thistle manager Richie Foran has nothing but happy memories from his Fir Park days and is intent on creating another tonight.
The Irishman made 105 appearances for Motherwell between June 2004 and January 2007, scorng 34 goals and describes the time there as his best as a player.
The influence of then Motherwell manager Terry Butcher and his assistant Maurice Malpas cooled Foran’s fires and brought focus to his life, nurturing the maturity he has embraced in management as John Hughes’ successor.
Foran said: “Fir Park is a great place to play football in and there’ll be a good atmosphere.
“I had a great few years there and probably played my best football there, because I was in such a good place and at a good club. They’re a community club very similar to ourselves and I always enjoy going back, so we’re really looking forward to it and we want to make it two games unbeaten.
“We’re in a good place. We’ve crept up the table a bit and the supporters will be happy. It’s where we want to stay. We’re in good condition injury-wise as well, so we’re going there looking to get a win.
“We might tweak our play a bit. There’s a few players carrying knocks and trying to get through, so maybe we need to freshen it up.”
Foran knows there is little between the sides outwith the top four in the table and away victories at venues such as Fir Park would prove huge come the end of the season.
He said: “We expect tight games. Most teams are similar. You can probably take Celtic, Rangers, Hearts and Aberdeen out of it, but the rest of us could probably beat each other on any given day.
“It’s about who’s going to drive on and grasp that opportunity. I hope it’s us.”
Foran’s frustration after the Kilmarnock game was evident. Particularly in the first half, his team looked flat and lacked sparkle.
He added: “I want more anticipation and winning of second balls. And we’re looking for a bit more composure in the final third.
“We haven’t had a clean sheet this season either, so I’m looking for a more solid display all over.”
