LISTEN: Foran sees early promise from ICT performances
Caley Thistle are well-placed to make League Cup progress from Group C
Following the 5-1 demolition of Dunfermline, Richie Foran has much to be pleased about, as Caley Thistle stand on the brink of League Cup progress - while also shaping-up well for the new Premiership season.
The ICT boss said: "We've improved in every performance, and we're really impressing in terms of how we've been keeping the ball, how we're pressing, and our overall work-rate, and chasing down lost causes, so we're really looking good for the months ahead"
The victory over the Pars saw Iain Vigurs net a hat-trick - almost half his full season tally from 2015-16.
Foran hailed the progress of the tricky midfielder:
"I've seen the change in Iain over the last four-or-five months - he got married in the summer so maybe that's had something to do with it, settled him down!"
"He's looked really good, focused, he's really determined, he's a strong character and great in the dressing room, and I'm really delighted to see him score his hat-trick"
Foran's also pleased with how quickly Billy King's settled in:-
This weekend it's Abroath at home for Caley Thistle, as they bid to hold off the challenge of Dundee United (who face Dunfermline) for top-spot in Group C. Foran said:
"Obviously we want the seeding, but you just want to get through to the next round - get a home draw - you'll have to play the top teams at some stage"
"I believe we can score lots of goals this season - we deserved our five goals the other night - and I'm sure we could've scored more"
"We just need to tighten up a little at the back, because while we can score four or five, I'm sure we can still concede one or two, so we've been working on that"
ICT have no injury concerns, with Aaron Doran pressing for a place on the bench having been out for a year.
"Aaron's back training and it's been great to have him back, he's looking really good as well"
"We went easy on them on Thursday, sent a couple of the older lads to the pool, but Jake (Mulraney) is fine, he's just got some bruising on his knee, but he's okay to train"