Roddy MacGregor revealed that former Caley Jags boss John Robertson continues to inspire him as he aims to deliver more goals for the Inverness club.
Speaking after his superb strike sunk Raith Rovers 1-0 in the Championship, the 19-year-old, who was congratulated by the sporting director at ICT, explained that the ex-Hearts and Scotland striker has helped him reach for the stars.
He said: “John has played a big part in me breaking through into the team and establishing myself.
“I have a lot to thank Robbo for, for giving me my chance in the last couple of seasons.
“He was always on at me about scoring more goals as well.
“After the game, he was just delighted that I managed to get one against Raith.
“When I was younger he was always on at me about getting myself more goalscoring opportunities and taking more of them.
“Obviously, he was such a good goalscorer himself, he knows the way to goal. Any tips we can take, we take from him – and the gaffer (Billy Dodds) was decent as well!
“I’ve tried to take as much of it as I can on board and it has helped today, I guess.”
Best strike of career so far
The attacking midfielder, who scored against Stirling Albion in the League Cup too, was elated at the quality of his winner in a tight tussle in the rain.
He added: “That was probably the best goal I’ve had, so far. The club media man has just said he has it on video, so that’s a relief!
“I scored a kind of similar one down at Queen of the South last season, but this one tops it.
“At Raith last season I had a trundler that went in from a few yards, so they’re not all like that. I’ll take them all.
“Both teams had quite a few chances. It was quite even, but thankfully I just managed to help the team out.”
MacGregor was praised by Dodds for being a team player and responding to being left on the bench by delivering the key moment of the game.
He was just thrilled to have got that chance in the end.
He said: “There is good depth in the squad this season so it is always tough for places.
“Whenever I’m on the bench I just try to make an impact coming on, and luckily I’ve done that.”
Momentum is target for Ayr match
Back-to-back wins in the league after bowing out of the Premier Sports Cup means ICT are level with early leaders Partick Thistle and Kilmarnock.
MacGregor wants to come back firing after the mini-break when they host Ayr United on August 21.
He said: “We couldn’t have really wished for a better start. Two clean sheets and two wins.
“We’re just looking to take the momentum into the break now with two weeks off and kick on from there.
“We’ll train hard and keep working on where we need to improve and be ready for Ayr when they come here the weekend after next.”
