Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
Oakley: Caley targeting play-offs after cup win
GEORGE Oakley hopes Caley Thistle will be smiling all the way to the Championship play-offs after joyous scenes in the Irn-Bru Cup Final.
The former AFC Wimbledon striker warned tonight’s opponents Dundee United the triumph had lifted clouds of gloom over the Caledonian Stadium.
Oakley also feels Caley Thistle owe United a beating after leaving Tayside seven days previously feeling aggrieved at taking a solitary point.
The 22-year-old from south London said: “Winning the cup just puts a big smile on everyone’s face, I guess.
“Cup final day was a great day out for everyone involved and we’re just happy we won.
“It just gives the whole place a lift and we just want to get back out there, keep playing — and keep winning.
“We partied a bit and enjoyed a few laughs with the fans. It was nice.”
Oakley feels they are capable of kicking off a run against United.
He said: “We went to their place a week ago and drew, but we genuinely felt we played them off the park.
“Finishing 1-1 was disappointing and we really have something to prove up here.”
Leaders St Mirren are also in action as they host Dumbarton.
With just 11 points required to seal the title, Jack Ross’ men can take another huge step towards reclaiming the Buddies’ top-flight status if they can heap yet more misery on the Sons following their defeat to Caley Thistle in Saturday’s Challenge Cup decider at McDiarmid Park.
The Buddies welcome back Lewis Morgan, Kyle Magennis and Liam Smith from Scotland U/21 duty.