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Inverness Caley Thistle bring fresh challenge to Scottish football

Roar Pro
26th August, 2014
4

Scottish football’s standing on the world stage has diminished over time. However, every so often a team outside the the Old Firm dominance throws up some enjoyable moments.

For what Scottish football lacks in genuine football talent, they make up for with passion, history and great storylines.

Scotland holds some of the most storied and long-standing clubs in the world. Celtic and Rangers are the obvious examples, known worldwide for their fierce rivalry.

Aberdeen and Dundee United were once prominent in Europe during the 1980s; those days now seem a long time ago.

One of the oldest clubs, Queens Park FC, was founded in 1867 and continues today playing in League Two of the Scottish football system. However, it’s Inverness Caley Thistle – founded 20 years ago – that has become the early story of the SPFL this season.

They sit top of the table after four games and are yet to concede a goal. Their recent 1-0 result against Celtic was a surprise and continued their impressive early form. Celtic was under-strength looking towards midweek Champions League football, but it was a terrific performance from Inverness nonetheless.

Under John Hughes the Highland team looks sharp, organised and energised. For large periods of the match they were able to outplay and hold possession against their more highly rated opponents.

While Celtic will most likely turn around this early season set back and win a 46th top division title, the challenge of Caley Thistle brings freshness to the Scottish game that it so desperately needs.

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In the 2013/14 season St Johnstone and Aberdeen broke the Celtic stranglehold, winning the Scottish FA Cup and League Cup respectively.

It was a pleasant change to what we see in leagues all over the world, not just Scotland, where you can lock in the teams who will walk away with silverware each season.

If we stopped the season now, after four games I know, we would have Inverness Caley Thistle as champions, Hamilton Accies and Dundee United in Europa League qualification, with Celtic in fifth spot and no European football.

Dare to dream?

Scottish football does not have world class facilities, high transfer fees and multi-million dollar player contracts. They have competitiveness, passion, history and are a proud footballing nation who has produced some of the greatest managers and players to set foot on a football pitch. There is no doubting their contribution to the world game – some might say it’s football as it should be.

Inverness might fall away once the season goes on, with Celtic’s class rising to the top once again, but for now I am going to enjoy the ride of the Jags.

Scottish football needed something fresh, I am glad we are getting it, even if only for a short while.

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Bravo, Caley Thistle.

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