The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Foran’s spoiled for choice by versatile Draper
Caley Thistle manager Richie Foran fears midfielder Ross Draper’s multi-tasking skills mean he does not know where to play him. Draper made his name in the Highlands as a defensive midfielder, but has been pressed into a supporting role to lone forward Lonsana Doumbouya in recent matches. Draper has scored four goals and Foran is pleased with how he has adapted to the change. The manager, whose side take on Hamilton Accies at New Douglas Park tomorrow, said: “Ross has been moved around, but he’s a pivotal player, capable of playing in quite a few different positions. “Ideally I’d like a good few Ross Drapers in my squad. He’s great at anticipating and breaking up play, but he’s also good at getting forward and is a goal threat. “I’d like to have him all over the park. He’s been brilliant for us. He hasn’t got the look of a number 10 – a small, tricky player – but he reads the game very well. He susses out mistakes in defenders and breaks play up, he can read the game very quickly and all of a sudden he’s in on goal. “He’s got a good understanding with Lonsana Doumbouya up front and, with the crosses coming into the box, we want Ross there. “I wanted him to be more aggressive in the air by attacking balls. He’s worked a lot on crosses into the box, for and against us, and it showed in his goal against St Johnstone. He’s doing a good job for us.” Draper was left on the bench for four matches at the start of the season but Foran says the 27-year-old’s response made it an easy decision to bring him back and added: “Since he’s come back into the team he’s been driving us on and his attitude when he wasn’t playing was top-drawer as well.”