Caley Thistle manager John Hughes has challenged goalkeeper Owain Fon Williams to retain the number one jersey at Caledonian Stadium.
Inverness signed Fon Williams on a one-year contract in the build up to Thursday night’s 1-0 loss against FC Astra in the second qualifying round of the Europa League, with Hughes pitching him straight into action against the Romanians.
Fon Williams previously played for English sides Crewe Alexandra, Stockport County and Rochdale, before being released by Tranmere Rovers at the end of last season following the club’s relegation from the Football League.
Hughes has told the 28-year-old former Wales under-21 international to justify his selection ahead of veteran Ryan Esson.
Hughes said: “Last week our two young goalkeepers, Cameron Mackay and Daniel Hoban, got injured and we were left with only Ryan.
“I had to ask the chairman for a hand, as it would be unfair to put a time limit on Dean Brill coming back from his injury, but thankfully we got Fon Williams. He’s a good goalkeeper, a worker, and I think he’ll be a massive asset.
“Ryan has been outstanding since I’ve been here. He’s the goalkeeping coach and when Dean Brill got injured we leaned heavily on him and he’s never let us down.
“I think back to the Scottish Cup semi-final against Celtic, and the final against Falkirk. He’s been absolutely outstanding.”
Caley Jags fell to defeat on Thursday night through Astra forward Constantin Budescu’s first-half free kick at Caledonian Stadium.
Despite just one goal separating the sides, Hughes will not rush his side into all out attack in Thursday’s second leg in Romania, hinting he will send the Scottish Cup winners out to contain pressure from Astra.
Hughes added: “We need to go over there and make sure the shape is right. We might have to give up a bit of possession, maybe we’ll need to play a reverse role and hit them on the counter attack.
“It’s what we’ve got at our disposal in terms of team selection that will determine what system we play. I’ve always been the type of coach who makes sure if we’re going to go out, we go out swinging.
“I’m really proud of the players and the way they took on instructions, and tried to implement them. I was disappointed with the free kick goal, and we also need to speed it up in the final third.”
The kick-off for next week has been moved back by 30 minutes, and will now kick off at 7pm UK time.