David Carson is ready to answer the call for Caley Thistle once more after filling in at right back against Raith Rovers.
With Shaun Rooney and Brad Mckay both injured on Saturday, the former Morpeth Town central midfielder made a near-seamless switch to a right-back role.
Carson’s solid and energetic display contributed to a resounding 4-1 win that propelled Caley Thistle back into prime position to qualify from League Cup group D.
But the 23-year-old Geordie is warning against complacency tonight with three valuable points at stake at home to League Two newcomers Cove Rangers.
Mckay returned to training yesterday (Monday) after a hamstring problem, but Carson, despite the settling in process in Inverness, is ready to play wherever he is required.
The former Blackburn Rovers youth player said: “We have injuries and it is good the gaffer feels he can come to me and asked me to do the job elsewhere. I’ve said I can do it and I’ve taken to it.
“Obviously, you want to get settled in your own position and get used to linking with the players around you, but it puts it out there to the gaffer that I can stand up and be counted if needed.
“I did play one or two games in defence with Blackburn and, if asked, I’m always the first to put my hand up. I’m happy with it and we’ll just see how the lads in defence recover from their injuries.”
With Cove eager to spring a shock in Inverness, Carson added: “Saturday was one we really had to win, and we did it well.
“We controlled the game and took the three points we needed. It was an all-round good performance.
“But we have to do it again against Cove Rangers. We saw against Peterhead there are no easy games. In front of our home fans, I’d hope we can win again tomorrow night.
“It is going to be a tough game. They’ve struggled a bit in their group and will be chasing a positive result, but we need a positive result to take it down to Sunday against Dundee. But the big game is tomorrow and we won’t look beyond that.”
Carson’s Blackburn pedigree honed his technical ability before the rude awakening of dropping into England’s Northern Premier League.
With them, he won the Evostick East Division title last season, also collecting his club’s player of the year award.
Caley Thistle represent a much higher competitive level, Carson accepts, but one he is ready for.
He stressed: “It is a step up in standard, certainly, but one I feel capable of doing and comfortable with. It is going to be a good test for me this season and I’m ready for the challenge.”
