Nikolay Todorov hopes his hard work pays off at Caley Thistle as he targets double-figures in front of goal.
The summer signing scored his fifth goal of the season in the 2-0 win over Queen of the South on Tuesday night in his first league start for the club.
He has been behind Jordan White, Caley Thistle’s leading scorer last season, in the pecking order but took his opportunity at Palmerston to make his mark.
After joining from League 1 side Falkirk in the off-season, Todorov put the work in to make sure he was ready to get his Inverness career off to a flying start.
The 23-year-old Bulgarian scored twice in the Betfred Cup but has had to be patient for his chance in the Championship.
Todorov said: “I’ve been working really hard. I worked hard in the off-season to make sure I came back fit for pre-season. I scored a few and I’m happy to be back scoring in the team. I’m delighted if I can contribute to the team but the most important thing is the team, as we’ve got a target.
“We’ve got a really strong squad. Everyone has looked really good in training and has been performing. Last Saturday was really disappointing but it happens. We had to bounce back really quick because it’s only a few days between the games.
“It’s a really nice club from what I’ve seen so far. I’m really happy up here. It’s quiet but that allows you to focus on training. If I can get more minutes under my belt and score more goals – my target this season is double-figures – then I’ll be happy to achieve that.”
Todorov first moved to Scotland in 2016, joining Hearts from Nottingham Forest. He had loan spells at Cowdenbeath, Queen of the South and Livingston before a brief stint in Italy with Rieti.
He added: “I’ve been on loan to a few clubs and while I’ve been disappointed to have to go on loan, I see it as a positive. I have met different managers and different players – from every one I have picked up things to improve my game.
“Hopefully this season we are seeing progress in my game. I’m really delighted to have the chance to work with John Robertson and I’m really happy at the moment. Hopefully this year and next year is the result of me working hard for the last few years.”