Caley Thistle midfielder Jake Mulraney could be available for Saturday’s trip to Partick Thistle after the Irishman returned to light training following a hamstring injury.
Mulraney suffered the injury during an impressive display for the Highlanders in last month’s 2-1 victory against Rangers, which caused him to miss the 4-0 defeat against Celtic last Wednesday.
The 20-year-old underwent a scan on the strain last week, with the wide player able to return to jogging yesterday.
Mulraney has made just 10 starts since joining from English Championship side QPR in the summer but manager Richie Foran says he is working hard on honing his game in order to help him make a greater impact for Caley Jags.
Foran said: “His pace is great when he is for you and frightening when he’s against you. For me, he’s the quickest player in the Scottish Premiership.
“All we want Jake to do is run with the ball and get by players which is what he did against Rangers, particularly in the first half.
“People can’t stop him. He will double up – put three players around him and you can’t stop pace like that. We are working hard with him on the training ground to get him up to speed.
“He’s maturing now and we are working hard now on the end product, which could be a little bit better, but he knows that.”
Foran could be handed a further boost this week, with veteran goalkeeper Ryan Esson expected to return to to training later this week after a groin injury.
Foran had previously hinted he could be forced to seek short-term cover for Esson if the former Aberdeen goalkeeper, who is also Caley Jags’ goalkeeping coach, faced a lengthy absence, with teenager Daniel Hoban having been understudy to Owain Fon Williams in recent matches.
