Duffy off mark – and wants same for boss

Caley Thistle defender Wallace Duffy hopes his side can get Neil McCann’s temporary reign as manager off to a flying start at home to Hearts tomorrow night.

Former Dundee boss McCann has been drafted in as an interim replacement for John Robertson, who has undertaken a period of compassionate leave following a family bereavement.

Duffy says they must refocus under McCann as they look to return to winning ways following Tuesday’s 2-2 home draw against Alloa Athletic.

Duffy said “We just need to keep focusing on trying to get as many wins for this club as we can.”

Inverness conceded a late equaliser against the Wasps to prevent them moving to within a point of the play-off places, with the Highlanders now sixth in the table.

Duffy is frustrated his side was unable to convert large spells of dominance into a victory against Alloa, as was the case in their 1-0 defeat by Queen of the South last Wednesday.

Duffy expects Hearts to have more of a go, which could leave Inverness with more space to play.

The former St Johnstone defender added: “We have not really broken down many teams that have sat in deep against us.

“That’s something we do work on in training. It’s a bit frustrating.

“Hearts are going to come here and try to dominate the ball. I think that could suit us, because we will probably be sitting a bit deeper.

“We will try to hit them on the break. We’ve got powerful players up front and we’ve got pace. If we can get the right service to them I think we can cause Hearts real problems.

“With the games coming so fast, if we get a bad result we can try to rectify it much quicker.

“Previously we have had weeks off, we have had a bad result, then another few weeks off.

“I think the more games quicker the better. We can build momentum and try to rectify any bad results.”

Duffy opened his professional goalscoring account in Tuesday’s game against Alloa with a stunning long-range goal to cancel out Innes Cameron’s opener, before James Keatings looked to have secured all three points shortly afterwards.

The 21-year-old says his side’s failure to hold on for all three points, with Miles Storey seeing a penalty saved, dimmed his delight at getting off the mark.

He added: “The goal doesn’t really mean a lot now, given the fact we never took the three points. It was my first professional goal – and it was a good one. It was my left foot as well which makes it even better.

“It might look and feel a bit better once this result has sunk in. I’m just focusing on the result and it’s disappointing.

“I’m proud to score my first one, so hopefully I’ll get a few more.”

Wallace Duffy scored a stunning long-range goal.