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Aaron Doran desperate to earn cup final starting spot

Doran is congratulated after netting on Saturday
Doran is congratulated after netting on Saturday

Midfielder Aaron Doran is anxious to help Caley Thistle end their winless run and move one step closer to European football.

The Scottish Cup finalists have now gone nine matches without a victory in the Scottish Premiership after Saturday’s 1-1 draw against St Johnstone.

Despite their stuttering form, John Hughes’ players remain in pole position to claim third position with a four-point cushion over Dundee United and the Perth Saints.

Caley Jags can increase the lead to seven points with only three matches to go win a win against United in Inverness tomorrow.

Doran, who netted for Caley Jags at McDiarmid Park on Saturday before Brian Graham’s late equaliser, says his teammates are determined not to allow a top-three finish slip from their grasp.

Doran opens the scoring against St Johnstone
Doran opens the scoring against St Johnstone

He said: “It’s a huge game. We need to get going again and get three points.

“It’s been a brilliant season. We’re in the cup final and pushing for third but we need to keep going.

“The games against United are usually pretty tight. This is the biggest game. There’s a three-way scrap for third and we want to win it.

“We’ve been there throughout and we don’t want to get pipped on the line.

“If we could make sure we’re in Europe through the league it would take some pressure off the cup final. That’s our aim.”

Doran has endured a frustrating campaign, having started only 15 games, but he capped a fine performance against St Johnstone with a superb goal.

The Irishman wants to be in the team for this month’s Scottish Cup final against Falkirk and hopes he has done enough to keep his place for tomorrow’s match against the Tangerines.

He added: “I’ve been in and out all season. I think I deserved my chance. I took my goal well and hopefully I’ll get a chance again on Tuesday.

“I always try to impress in training, although I didn’t expect to get a chance.

“That’s my sixth goal of the season – only one behind Marley Watkins. I’ll be looking to score a few more to get a place in the final.

“I didn’t play a part in the semi-final and it hurt a little bit to see everyone celebrating. I’ll be working hard to make sure I’m in the team for the final.”