Caley Thistle midfielder Ross Draper has no problem with being asked to deputise at central defence during Inverness’ injury crisis.
Captain Gary Warren is out with a broken leg suffered in the 1-0 defeat to Motherwell on the opening day of the league campaign, while his regular defensive partner, Josh Meekings, has been sidelined with a thigh injury.
As a result, Caley Jags manager John Hughes has pitched Draper alongside Danny Devine at the heart of the Highlanders’ defence for the last three Premiership matches.
Draper reckons players must be prepared to show versatility at a time when Hughes’ squad is stretched and the 26-year-old said: “If needed, I’m happy to play there. I’ll step in if asked.
“The way the manager plays, with two central midfielders who come so deep, means playing in defence is not that different from my usual role.
“With a small squad we need players who can slot into different positions.
“The manager has signed Nat Wedderburn and he’s done brilliantly. He can play central midfield, centre half, and left back.
“All the players are happy to go in different positions so long as they’re out on the pitch.”
Warren is expected to remain sidelined for several weeks following the break to his fibula, but Draper said the captain has stayed in fine spirits despite the blow.
Draper added: “He’s been in at the club and he’s all right. It’s hard to take him seriously. I don’t think I’ve had a serious conversation with him for three years.
“Even the day after the injury, he came in and was in around the rest of the squad laughing and joking.
“He’s old enough, ugly enough and stupid enough to realise players are going to get injuries like that. Touch wood, it wasn’t the worst break and he’ll be back as quickly as possible and it’s not one that will keep him out for the whole season.”