The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Championship: Momentum key to Caley Jags promotion hopes, says midfielder
Caley Thistle midfielder Sean Welsh insists earlyseason momentum is key if the Highlanders are to mount a Championship promotion challenge this season.
Welsh has been the distance in the second tier, having been a key part of the Partick Thistle side which won the title in the 2012-13 season.
The 28-year-old puts the foundation for that success down to the Jags’ start to the campaign, which saw them go unbeaten in their opening seven league matches, six of which were victories.
Inverness have taken four points from a possible six so far and return to action at home to Alloa Athletic on Saturday.
Welsh said: “If you get off to a good start and get a few points on the board, then it’s all about momentum from there. It’s pivotal to get off to a good start.
“When I was at Thistle and we won the league, we started unbelievably.
“In the first few games we blew teams away and that just gives you the confidence. You feel like you can beat anyone no matter what.
“It’s vital you get off to a good start. You want to be up at the top, in among the pack. When you are getting results on the board, it gives you that confidence for the rest of the season.”
Welsh joined Caley Jags this summer after leaving fellow Championship side Falkirk, making his first start in last Tuesday’s IRNBRU Cup defeat against Dunfermline.
The former Hibernian player had to serve a twomatch suspension after being sent off in a friendly victory against Brora Rangers but following Caley Jags’ excellent end to last season Welsh has been prepared to wait for his opportunity, adding: “If a team is doing well and has got momentum, they can just keep carrying that on.
“The lads did so well at the end of last season in this league. They can just build on that this year with one or two additions that the manager has made, such as myself and a couple of others.
“I have settled in now and it’s good to get going.
“I just need to get a bit of training under my belt and get a bit of momentum going now. I’ve just got to bide my time.”
DOWCANGO: INVERNESS EYEMOVEFORSTAGGIE
Ross County will listen to offers for attacker Ryan Dow, with Highland rivals Caley Thistle eyeing up a move for the player.
Former Dundee United player Dow has been with the Staggies since September 2016, having joined following his departure from the Tannadice club. The 27-year-old has made 54 appearances for County, netting once.
Although Dow signed a new contract with the Dingwall club this summer, the attacker has seen his competition for a striking place increase following the additions of forwards Brian Graham, Declan McManus and Ross Stewart.
Dow turned out in last Tuesday’s 2-1 IRN-BRU Cup win against Hearts colts but he was not on the bench for Sunday’s 3-2 Betfred Cup defeat by Hibs.
County co-manager Steven Ferguson confirmed talks have taken place with Dow and he said: “We have had a discussion with Ryan and we are willing to listen to offers, whether that be on loan or a permanent deal.”
Although no offers have been made for Dow, Caley Thistle are believed to be among the Championship clubs interested in the Dundee-born player.