The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)

Foran selection gamble key

- BY ANDY SKINNER

Caley Thistle manager Richie Foran faces the most difficult selection dilemma of his career ahead of tonight’s Premiershi­p match against Rangers.

Inverness secured a 1-1 draw against Hearts at Tynecastle last Saturday despite key absences, with the likes of Louis Laing, Jamie McCart and Larnell Cole called into the side.

Foran can welcome back captain Gary Warren, pictured, Brad McKay and Iain Vigurs from suspension against the Gers while on-loan Jambos midfielder Billy King is also available having been ineligible against his parent club.

Tough decisions will be made for tonight’s game, but the Caley Jags manager has challenged those left out to prove him wrong.

Foran said: “It’s probably going to be my toughest decision to make given the amount of players I can choose from. “The quality I’ve got to choose from to pick a team gives me a very good headache. “There are going to be some unhappy players for sure, but that’s part and parcel of football and having a good, strong squad.

“None of the players who came in did themselves any harm. It was a good, solid performanc­e from us.

“Goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams is probably guaranteed his place and that’s the truth of it.

“The players know how good they are, and how good their teammates are.

“They know they’ve got to work day-in, day-out on the training ground and show a spark every day. “They must stand out in everything they do. In every warm-up and pass- ing drill, they must be the best player on the training ground every day.

“That’s what gets them into squads, then when they come on, make an impact and contribute something positive, that’s how they get into the team.

“The players who are left out will just have to deal with it and keep working hard.

“Everyone is going to have a part to play this season, that’s for sure.”

Caley Thistle will try to end a run of 14 league matches without a victory when they host the Gers, who have fallen six points adrift of second-placed Aberdeen.

Foran added: “We spoke at Hearts about turning the crowd against them and it can only benefit us. It will be the same against Rangers.

“We have let too many easy goals in.

“That changed against Hearts. The tempo of training has been excellent and we’re excited about the game.”

“Players who are left out will just have to deal with it and keep working hard”

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