Caley Thistle midfielder Aaron Doran could make his return to action against Arbroath tomorrow after a year on the sidelines with a knee injury.
Doran missed the majority of last term after suffering the injury during pre-season, despite being given the green light to play in both legs of Inverness’ Europa League second qualifying round tie against Romanian outfit FC Astra.
After working his wayearlier this year, the Irishman has finally returned to full training and, despite the 25-year-old being eager to play, Foran has resisted the temptation to include him in any of Caley Jags’ fixtures so far.
That could change tomorrow, however, with Foran considering handing him a place on the bench for tomorrow’s Betfred Cup group stage tie against the Red Lichties.
Foran said: “It’s great to have him back – he’s champing at the bit to get going. It’s for his own benefit but he’s looking great.
“He’s shown a lot of determination and focus since the injury. It was questioned whether he would ever get back and questions have been raised about his weight.
“Aaron’s got no fat on him, though, it’s all muscle. He just pumps a lot of iron at the gym. He’s got the determination to prove his doubters wrong and he looks a better player than before the injury.
“If he appears on the bench he’ll be happy. We’ve got to make sure he’s right. I’ll have a discussion with the physio and make a decision. It’ll be great for him and the players because they know his ability and he’ll be pushing for a place in the starting 11.
“He’s got a battle to get back with the quality we’ve brought in and he knows that, but it’s one he’s up for.
“He’s got quality, just like Iain Vigurs, and I’m sure the supporters will be delighted to see Aaron back. He causes defences problems and he’s got that composure at the end of his play that other players haven’t.”
Foran must also decide on his goalkeeper, with Owain Fon Williams having returned from an extended break after his involvement with Wales’ squad at last month’s European championships in France, in which Chris Coleman’s side reached the semi-finals before losing out to Portugal.
Youngster Cammy Mackay has started Caley Thistle’s last two matches against Dundee United and Dunfermline, however, with Foran impressed by his displays, adding: “I told Cammy from the start I had faith in him and I’ve seen a change in his personality in the last year. He’s really come out of himself.
“He’s a lot more confident and focused and vocal on the training ground. He’s a boy that’s become a man.”
