Draper doubtful for Hearts clash

CALEY Thistle midfielder Ross Draper could miss his first game of the season this Saturday if he fails to overcome an ankle injury.

The 24-year-old summer signing described himself as raging after suffering the knock in the last minute of the 2-1 win at Kilmarnock which sent Inverness into the SPL’s top three.

While icing his ankle during the journey north, he posted on social networking website Twitter: “Great result to go to places like Killie and win! Only down side is I’ve f****d my ankle. Hoping to be fit for next week.”

Inverness manager Terry Butcher is keen to give his ever-present star the best chance of recovering before the lunchtime home game against Hearts this Saturday.

“He will rest for the early part of the week and we will see towards the end of the week if he is fine or not,” he said yesterday.

The former Macclesfield Town player has struck up an impressive partnership with Owain Tudur Jones. With both players standing over 6ft tall, Butcher is reluctant to break up the partnership which has been at the heart of a Caley Jags line-up which has been unchanged for four games.

“Ross has been absolutely brilliant all season and is really enjoying his football, but I think he was most disappointed that he couldn’t walk his dog on Sunday,” Butcher said.

“He is a big boy and has produced some big performances and when he first signed he wasn’t quite as fit as the other lads but he just kept pushing himself and had a great attitude and now covers every blade of grass on the pitch.

“Ross has also formed a great partnership with Owain, something I call the Great Wall of China because it is very hard for opposition players to get through and gives the forwards security to attack knowing they have that behind them and the defence know they have this great barrier in front of them.

“But if we have to make a change then it gives somebody else a chance.”

Draper has also offered a welcome goalscoring threat, netting three times so far, and was felled by Cammy Bell for the decisive penalty against Kilmarnock. He has contributed several assists for the league’s top scorers and is not afraid to tackle — traits which have impressed midfield partner Jones.

“I’ve got to be honest, if I was coming up against the two of us in midfield then I wouldn’t be looking forward to it,” he said.

“It’s like coming up against a brick wall if you like. I’m enjoying playing alongside Ross and I think he is enjoying it as well.

“We’ve developed a good understanding and hopefully that will carry on and we can help provide a platform to the team and the four players ahead of us who we can just give the ball to and say go and make something happen.”

If Draper was to miss out this Saturday, it could give club captain Richie Foran the opportunity to return to a central role he played much of last season.

Goalkeeper Ryan Esson will also be monitored this week after a groin injury prevented him from being included in the squad at Rugby Park.

Meanwhile, Butcher will begin talks with several of his squad to extend their terms at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium, perhaps most notably brother Andrew and Graeme Shinnie. He will also invite winger Philip Roberts to extend his loan from Arsenal until the end of the season because the Gunners have been pleased with his progress.

“It is down to Phil but he has been great for us a real breath of fresh air,” Butcher commented. “He has fit in really well and is improving every game.”

> See Tuesday's Courier for more Caley Thistle news.