Caley Thistle defender set to return after 14-month injury battle

Caley Thistle are set for a major boost with defender Jake Davidson close to winning a 14-month battle with a devastating knee injury.

It was hoped as far back as last summer that the 25-year-old was on the road to recovery, but recurrent setbacks have made it a very long road for the former Dundee United and Queen’s Park right-back.

Davidson, though, has now successfully navigated a couple of under-19s matches to push himself to within two or three weeks of a first team return.

With manager Scott Kellacher not expecting to add to his squad in the current window, unless something unexpected presents itself, influential Davidson’s comeback would be a timely boost to prospects in the title race.

A delighted Kellacher said: “Jake is on the comeback trail and has played a few under-19s games, getting better every week.

“It is terrific news because it really has been a long time out for him.

“I wouldn’t say he’s far away – maybe two or three weeks – and that is really welcome as it has been a long process for him, well over a year.

“That is great for him and great for me in terms of options within the squad at a very important time in the season.”

Willox and Robertson boosts

Caley Thistle have already added homecoming midfielder Kieron Willox on loan from Stoke City, with the Nairn lad making an immediate positive impression in midfield from the bench.

The deal with Celtic and Livingston to keep Almondvale-bound defender Mitchell Robertson is another boost.

Kellacher stressed: “I remember wee bits about Kieron from his time here in the youths. He went off to Rangers and then down to Stoke City, so he has had a good development and schooling in the game.

“When we had the opportunity to take him in I think it was a good move for the boy and for us.

“He’s a local lad, from Nairn, and has made an impact from the bench in the last two games.

“That’s what we want – a strong bench.

“He’s direct and wants to score goals and create. He’s settling well.

“I’m over the moon about Mitch staying as he has been great for us. It was a long process in having to deal with both Celtic and Livingston, but we’re delighted.

“Celtic were great with Shaun Maloney and Chris McCart playing their part and, at Livingston, David Martindale and Brian Rice, in terms of helping us, were just superb.

“It is probably the right thing for Mitch’s development at this time in his career. He’s a good lad and he has a good future ahead of him in the game.”

A good club for loan players

Kellacher believes Caley Thistle’s track record as a successful destination for loan players is a great asset for the club.

He said: “We’re fortunate we’ve had Jamie McCart from Celtic and he’s now playing in the Premiership. Robbie Deas is another one now playing in the top flight.

“Mitch wants to play there but he’s got to get game-time in his legs at this level and kick on from that. There’s no question he will.

“Our track record in loans is a massive selling point. We try to use that with the likes of Derek McInnes at Kilmarnock, when we had Ben Brannan here.

“Ben did brilliantly for us and he went back and won a place in Killie’s first team.

“We’ve proven ourselves as a good club for taking players in and making them better before they go back.

“We like to think we can help boys progress and that includes our own young boys.

“We’re trying to promote youth as much as they can, with a bit of experience there too.

“The young boys from Aberdeen (Alfie Bavidge and Alfie Stewart) have done great as well since they’ve been here.”

Kellacher confirmed ICT are unlikely to make further transfer moves in this window.

He added: “At the minute, probably not. We’re pretty settled in what we’re doing, but if the right one comes along, I’ll have to go and beg to chairman Alan Savage and Charlie Christie.

“We’re more than happy with what we’ve got. We have a good squad of players in there.”

[Source: Press and Journal]