Robbienowhasa datewithsuitors downinhisdiary
Robbie Deas could easily have been scrapping for Premiership survival with St Johnstone right now.
With the Perth club’s advances rejected in January, the former Celtic and Scotland youth international defender still has eyes firmly set on the top-flight.
The 22- year- old, converted from centre-back to left-back this season, has started every single one of Inverness Caley Thistle’s Championship matches this season.
And overcome Arbroath in this week’s Play-off semi-finals, and there is a very real possibility that the lad from Kinross will be squaring up to his recent suitor for a place in the Premiership.
After another fine individual display in the 1- 0 triumph against Partick Thistle on Friday night, Deas made it clear he was more than happy to still be with the Highlanders.
He said: “When I signed for Caley Thistle, my goal was to play in the Premiership for the club.
“I signed a three- year deal in August 2020, and it has been the best thing I’ve ever done.
“I’ve come up here, moving away from my family for the first time, and had the space to just put full focus on football.
“I couldn’t have come to a better club, a family club, who have looked after me so well.
“What I’d do to get the club back to the Premiership and get this place Premiership status again. It would be brilliant for me.
“I’d like to think I’ve improved a lot this season. I’m obviously not playing my natural position, but I’m just delighted to be playing.
“I’ve been lucky enough to start every game, and I take a lot of pride in that. I thank the gaffer for believing in me.
“I’m lucky I’ve got the likes of Cammy Harper, who is a natural left- back, in the squad. Every time I’m out there practising, he comes over and helps me. The coaches do extra with me, too.”
Much has been made of the fact Caley Thistle can become the first Scottish side to navigate six play-off legs to reach the Premiership.
While the task is monumental, physically and mentally, Deas insists the Inverness players are taking it in their stride.
He said: “We know what we need to do for recovery. We’re all fit boys, but we’re going to need everyone, even the boys coming back from injury, to get through the ties.”
Meanwhile, Partick Thistle boss, Ian Mccall, insists he knows exactly what is needed to take his team on the next step in their recovery.
T h e Ma r y h i l l s i d e, promoted from League One last season after a controversial, Covid-induced relegation, were narrowly squeezed out in Inverness.
Mccall said: “I have a very clear picture of what’s needed now for next season.
“For the size of our club, we’ve got to finish first, second or third, having finished fourth this year.
“I’ve been back almost three years now, and it has been very tiring, with everything we’ve been through at our club.
“So all credit to the players. We’ve now got a nucleus good enough to really take us forward and next year the target will be the top three.
“Knowing our supporters, their target will be to go and win it.”