Caley Thistle forward Jordan White is determined to rise to the challenge of increased competition across the Highlanders’ frontline this season.
Inverness manager John Robertson has added forwards James Keatings, Nikolay Todorov and Mitch Curry to compete with White, with all four players netting in Saturday’s pre-season friendly victories against Strathspey Thistle and Clachnacuddin.
White played in all 52 of Caley Jags’ matches last season following his move from English National League side Barrow, and he feels Robertson’s summer additions will keep him on his toes.
White said: “It’s healthy competition. The manager has brought some good boys in, so you’ve got to be on it all the time.
“I think every club needs good quality coming in. Looking at Dundee United last season, they had the likes of Safranko, Nicky Clark and Osman Sow up front.
“It’s competition – everybody wants to play. At times people are not going to be happy about not playing, so you’ve got to fight for your place.”
Belshill-born White enjoyed a successful first campaign at Caledonian Stadium on his return to Scotland, finishing as Inverness’ leading scorer with 16 goals.
The 27-year-old, who married his partner Alana in the summer, says he has remained focused on maintaining fitness over the close season, with Caley Jags stepping up their pre-season preparations with matches against Forres Mechanics and Rothes tonight.
White added: “I think I needed the move. Last season when I came in I felt fit, but nowhere near as fit as I am now.
“Coming into pre-season as fit as I am now is only going to help me.
“I got married at Seamill Hydro in Ayrshire, so I had a busy summer.
“I had a good break off but it’s just good to get back on the pitch and get our first run-out.
“The first half was not really us, we maybe showed a bit of cobwebs, but we got there in the end and scored a few good goals.
“I did quite a bit of fitness work as I want to get fitter every season.
“I felt at the end of last season we did tire a wee bit, and if I can be fit at the end of next season it will only stand us in good stead.”
Caley Thistle lost out to Dundee United in the play-offs, but White feels the Highlanders have given themselves plenty to build upon in the new campaign, adding: “We were disappointed with how it ended in the United game, which was frustrating, but I just want to build on last season and get more goals and success with the club.”