Caley Thistle midfielder Liam Polworth is not taking his place for granted this season despite breaking into Inverness’ side last term.
Polworth had previously struggled to hold down a regular place in the Caley Jags line-up but, after impressing while deputising during an injury crisis at the start of last season, he went on to make 37 starts.
Inverness-born Polworth’s fine form earned him his first call-up to Scotland’s under-21 side, before he was rewarded with a new three-year contract with his hometown club at the end of the season.
Polworth said: “It was a good season for me last year but there’s always room for improvement. Hopefully, I can get another good season going.
“The new contract was something that happened over the summer and it’s done now, so I’m keen to just get going.
“With players who aren’t playing, everyone has got to keep an eye out because anyone could come in and take anyone’s spot. No one is guaranteed a place – it keeps everyone on their toes.
“I haven’t discussed anything – I’m just happy playing like always. If the manager sees me playing a deeper role that’s fine by me. We’ve obviously got a lot of pace out wide, which gives us something different.”
Former club captain Richie Foran replaced John Hughes as manager at the end of last season and Polworth says it has been a seamless transition to playing under his old team-mate so far.
He added: “I don’t know if it’s any different because he always had the respect of all the boys being captain. He was a big personality and leader in the changing room.
“He always had that – he was like a manager beneath a manager. When he stepped up there was no difference to any of the boys.”
Inverness finished the Betfred Cup group stage as winners of their section, netting 15 goals in four games, and Polworth is eager to carry the momentum into today’s Premiership opener against Partick Thistle at Firhill.
The 21-year-old said: “I think everyone is excited for the game, we’ve obviously been waiting all pre-season to get to this point.
“Towards the end of the Betfred Cup group stage we scored a few goals in the last couple of games. We’re just eager to get going now.”