Zak Elbouzedi is desperate to rediscover the feeling of involvement with Caley Thistle, having been an onlooker for most of the campaign so far.
Irish winger Elbouzedi had to undergo a knee operation after an injury he suffered in pre-season, shortly after he had joined John Robertson’s men following his release by English Premier League club West Brom.
The 19-year-old made his long-awaited debut as a substitute in Sunday’s 3-2 victory against Crusaders in the semi-finals of the IRN-BRU Cup, and Elbouzedi is eager to make up for lost time.
He said: “It was my debut on Sunday against Crusaders and it was good to be involved. Sometimes when you’re injured you don’t feel like part of the team.
“With the more games I get, I’ll start learning how people play and start getting used to the team.
“It’s been tough because I got injured straight away, with a lateral meniscus tear and a defect in my knee, and was out for four or five months. It’s always tough coming back from an injury but I feel like I’m sharp and fit now. Hopefully, I can start getting some games under my belt and show the manager and the fans what I can do.
“For me, personally, this run of games to the end of the season is big – and for the team it’s massive.
“It is make-or-break, really, in the next few games.”
Elbouzedi had a short emergency loan stint with League 2 side Elgin City after the turn of the year, which he feels has helped to prepare him for Championship action, with Caley Jags hosting Morton today.
He added: “When I first came back from injury we played three friendly games and then I didn’t have a friendly for five or six weeks. Without a reserve or under-20s team, you’re sort of in limbo.
“It was good at Elgin getting my fitness back and my sharpness. Confidence is a big thing as well and it enabled me to start feeling good about myself again, although I was wary it was only going to be a month so it was hard to get involved with the boys.
“It enabled me to get a few games my belt again and hopefully I can show it in my games when I start playing.”
Inverness will contest their IRN-BRU Cup final against Dumbarton at McDiarmid Park next month and Elbouzedi hopes the prospect of silverware can give his side’s league form a boost in their pursuit of a play-off spot.
Elbouzedi said: “Getting to the final is good – any silverware is important.
“Some of the older boys were saying there aren’t too many chances to play in semi-finals. Every opportunity to win silverware is one you have to take.
“I think it can boost our league performances.”
