Caley Jags playing it safe with returnees

Billy Dodds insists players won’t be thrown in at the deep end at Caley Thistle just because they are fit and available.

The Inverness head coach resisted the temptation to use defender Robbie Deas as he made the bench at the weekend for ICT’s stunning 3-0 Scottish Cup fifth-round victory at top-table Livingston.

The centre-half returned well ahead of schedule after breaking a leg last October, but Dodds felt another week of training was the best option rather than even a bit-part appearance.

Deas is the latest senior player to return to the fold, with Cammy Harper and Scott Allardice back from injury and playing, and midfielder Roddy

MacGregor closing in on a return.

On Saturday, ICT, who are two points outside the top-four, host basement opponents Hamilton before facing Accies at New Douglas Park in a rearranged league game on Tuesday.

Since the New Year, Inverness have gone five league games without a loss and Dodds explained there’s pressure not only to win games, but also to manage players’ recoveries in the right manner.

He said: “We’re managing expectations that we should be winning every game.

“We’re also managing personnel as they come back.

“That’s what I’m trying to be mindful of with Cammy and Scott, and it will be the same with

Robbie, Austin Samuels and Roddy MacGregor when they come back.

“I can’t just give them 90 minutes and expect them to take off after that.

“You get ups and downs, and little setbacks as you push them. I’ve got to gauge where they’re at and that’s what I’ve done.

“The lads are coming along nicely.”

Speaking about Deas, manager Dodds says the big defender will add vital competition to his backline for these closing months.

He said: “Robbie’s had a full week’s training going into Saturday, conditioning him, making sure he is back and giving the boys a lift as one of the regulars is back.

“They must up their game to keep their place.”