The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Caley Thistle survival tops Anier agenda
ICT: New arrival raring to get started and spearhead Foran’s rescue mission
Attacker Henri Anier is ready and determined to prove Caley Thistle manager Richie Foran’s long pursuit of his signature was worthwhile by lifting the Highlanders up the Premiership table.
Estonia international Anier has joined Inverness on a contract until the end of the season after leaving Swedish club Kalmar last month.
Anier played in Scotland with Motherwell, Dundee United and Hibernian and Foran tried to bring Anier to Caledonian Stadium in the summer, only for the player to move to the Allsvenskan side.
His short-term contract ended and Anier was keen to return to the Premiership. Caley Thistle are bottom of the table and Anier hopes to reward his new manager’s perseverance.
Anier, who could make his debut in today’s Scottish Cup fourth round tie against Elgin City at Borough Briggs, said: “My contract finished in Sweden in December and my agent told me there was an opportunity.
“Richie wanted me and I knew about the interest back in August, before I went to Sweden. After speaking to Richie, everything was good.
“It’s the right move. I enjoyed my time in Sweden and played a lot. I was a free agent from January and I didn’t want to be without a club for a long time. There was interest from many different places, all around Europe, but this was a concrete offer and I’m happy to be here.
“We have 18 games to go, with the cup games, until the end of the season and there’s plenty to play for. We’ll take it game by game. We aim to take points from every game and climb up the table.”
Anier made nine appearances during his short stint with Kalmar, scoring once, but his previous experience of Scottish football makes him confident he can hit the ground running.
The 26-year-old added: “I went in August and they were really interested in me. I signed a short contract and was happy about the move. We were 13th when I went there and finished sixth, in what is a competitive league.
“I played in Germany as well so I can compare the two. The Scottish league is a bit more physical and straightforward, but I enjoy it. I played in Scotland before.
“I’ve played against Caley Thistle, they are a hard team to play against.
“Everyone in the SPFL knows they play good football and shouldn’t be where they are at the moment. That’s made it a bit easier, having played in Scotland before, knowing that it is a competitive league. There are good times ahead.
“I know Inverness and what kind of football we play and where we should be. We need to aim at least for the top six. We know we should be there, but it’s very tight.”