Caley Thistle manager John Robertson feels the addition of Scott Allardice will equip him with the midfield options he requires for the new Championship campaign.
Former Dundee United player Allardice has joined Caley Jags on a one-year deal after leaving Irish club Waterford.
Following the departure of Charlie Trafford to Hamilton Accies, Robertson feels Allardice’s arrival will provide competition with David Carson, Sean Welsh and James Vincent for a central midfield berth.
Robertson said: “We talk about a football team being a jigsaw puzzle, and Scott is another piece we wanted.
“He will complement our midfield. We’ve got David Carson and Sean Welsh, who can both win the ball really well, as can Scott. Sean and James Vincent can pass, while David is a bit of everything. He’s box-to-box up and down the park.
“We feel it brings great competitive edge, which keeps everyone on their toes.
“We have laid down the challenge to Scott. We have three experienced players there, but there is every chance he can make that spot permanent.
“As with every year, it will be down to performances in pre-season and how we do in the League Cup section as well.
Robertson has backed Allardice to make an impact at Caledonian Stadium, having had spells with League of Ireland sides Bohemians and Waterford since leaving United in January 2019.
Robertson added: “He can get on the ball and play, which is the most important thing, and he has a great range of passing. He can go short and long, and keeps the ball very well.
“He has great vision and sees the game well. He can see the longer passes to get us in behind people.
“We are delighted to have Scott. He’s a player I admire, I like what he brings.
“He suits our DNA. He made a big impact when he went to Ireland and became the Bohemians captain very quickly.
“He brings a really good edge to our midfield.
“He has played in the Championship and the top level in Ireland, and he’s still a young man.
“The challenge is there for him and I’m sure he will rise to it no problem at all.”
Robertson says flexibility will be needed in his squad in order to cover for niggling injuries he expects to surface, having not played since March due to coronavirus.
He added: “We will need a reasonable depth of squad, even more so.
“They have not played for six months – normally it’s six weeks.”
