Mcnaughton return provides timely boost for Inverness in bid to beat the drop

The long-awaited return of Kevin Mcnaughton is a big plus for Inverness manager Richie Foran. Caley Thistle finally saw the return of the former Scotland international on Saturday, with Mcnaughton playing the second half of his side’s 1-1 draw with Kilmarnock.

Mcnaughton had not played since rupturing his Achilles in the derby defeat by Ross County in August and some critics had questioned whether he would play again this season.

He brought himself back ahead of schedule and even played in his own testimonial last weekend in Cardiff, ahead of Inverness’ return to Premiership action. And his experience in the league runin will be vital, given the injury problems Inverness have had at the back.

“I ask players who come on to contribute and he did that massively. He had the composure at the back and he was excellent,” said Foran.

“He’s been out a long time, he’s kept his fitness up and has the right attitude and mentality and he’ll be big for us. He’s ready to start games.”

Mcnaughton,pictured,came on at half-time for Brad Mckay, who had given away a penalty on Jordan Jones in the 19th minute. Kris Boyd converted the spot-kick to give Killie the lead, before Billy Mckay levelled six minutes later.

“It was a clear penalty. You can’t dive in against pace. You’re asking for trouble. You could see it two or three yards before it was going to happen,” said Foran. “Brad’s been excellent, trains very well and is very disappointed in there, but we fought back. We could have folded.”

While the draw saw Inverness return to the bottom of the table, Killie are now four points adrift of Partick Thistle in sixth, which does not concern caretaker boss Lee Mcculloch. “I’m not bothered about anybody else. I’ve just said that in the dressing room,” he said. “It is all about what we do. It is up to us to look after ourselves, concentrate on ourselves, instead of looking below us or above us.”

He also had the boost of a player returning from longterm injury, with Greg Kiltie coming back after knee trouble. “Kiltie coming back was a big positive. I thought he looked sharp for having been out for so long,” he said.