Two-goal Caley Thistle star Nathan Shaw says key advice from his boss – former Scotland striker Billy Dodds – is working a treat.
The 21-year-old winger bagged a brace as Inverness held Championship leaders Ayr United 2-2 at the weekend to keep with gap between them at six points.
Shaw opened the scoring early on, but second half goals from Mark McKenzie and 14-goal hitman Dipo Akinyemi threatened to earn Ayr three points.
87' | 2-2
GOALLLLLLLLLLLL! NATHAN SHAW AGAIN! pic.twitter.com/huzvTnM2Jf
— Inverness Caledonian Thistle FC (@ICTFC) November 19, 2022
Top advice taken on board by Shaw
However, Shaw took his overall tally to five for the season with a leveller three minutes from time.
Inverness head coach Dodds scored seven times in 26 games for Scotland and was a prolific finisher for Dundee, Aberdeen, Dundee United and Rangers.
When asked whether Dodds has given him some first-class finishing tips, Shaw said: “The manager has given me quite a lot of advice since I joined.
“I have tried to take as much of it as I can on board and hopefully getting into the right areas he wants me to get into brings goals.”
Relishing challenge of Championship
Shaw was a newcomer to Scotland when Dodds signed him in July from AFC Fylde in England’s National League North.
He’s already made 21 appearances for Inverness and is relishing the change of challenge in Scotland’s second-tier.
He said: “I’m really enjoying being up here. It is different to the league I was playing in – it is a lot harder in the Scottish Championship, physically.
“I’m just willing to keep playing and hopefully improve in every game.
“I’ve really enjoyed moving away. I’ve lived away from home before when I was younger but I have really enjoying coming up here.
“It’s a lovely area, so no complaints from me.”
Shaw confident wins will come soon
Inverness, who have eight players out with injury, have not won since they defeated Cove Rangers 1-0 on October 15.
Yet, Shaw remains upbeat about their chances of landing their next victory sooner rather than later.
He added: “We were playing against the league leaders and we were light on bodies.
“But everyone is digging deep every day in training and out there on a matchday.
“I’d say we’re just a bit unlucky at the minute. We’re not picking up wins – it’s points here and there.
“We just have to keep going and hopefully our luck will change.”
Caley Thistle can still be in title chase
Five teams are above ICT right now, but a six-point gap between themselves and Ayr is far from beyond their reach according to their two-goal ace.
He said: “Of course, we still feel we can get back in the mix.
“There are a lot of games to be played. We’ve a great squad. Everyone knows the quality we have.
“For me, it’s just a matter of time before we’re back fighting to be at the top of the league.”
Dodds hails ICT two-goal star Shaw
Dodds, meanwhile, is sure Shaw will flourish even further after showing class and composure to score twice against the Honest Men.
He said: “Nathan is such a confidence player. He is good and needs more consistency. His second goal, the touch, was incredible. He showed composure to finish.
“The first one was good too as he takes it and has to shift to beat the goalie. He is playing at the top of his form and it will continue for him.
“He will now believe after that he is one of the main men.”
Inverness host League Two title-chasers Stirling Albion this Saturday in the Scottish Cup before facing Dundee at home in the league one week later.
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