County bounce match helped McKay to flourish with ICT

TERRY Butcher has credited a bounce game against Ross County as the match in which Billy McKay finally showed his capabilities to led Caley Thistle’s forward line.

The striker initially struggled to settle into life at Inverness having arrived on a free transfer from Northampton Town last year.

A thigh injury sustained during pre-season was soon followed by an ankle problem that limited him to just two substitute appearances up to the start of December 2011.

McKay went on to feature regularly for Caley Thistle, but finished the season with just three goals in 24 appearances.

Caley Thistle manager Butcher, however, had seen enough to convince him to offer the 24-year-old a two-year-deal in June and that faith has been repaid with McKay’s double in the 3-2 win over Aberdeen on Tuesday night — a result that has put Inverness third in the Scottish Premier League — his ninth goal in 19 games this season.

McKay has had his doubters at Caley Thistle, but Butcher praised the resolve of a player whose fine form this season was underlined when called up to full Northern Ireland squad for their World Cup qualifer against Azerbaijan earlier this month.

"I watched Billy play in a bounce match against Ross County last season and he did very well in that game," said Butcher.

"I think that was a turning point for him as he was able to show me fully what he could do.

"Some players can settle straight away at a new club, but others take time and that was the case with Billy.

"It was a big move for him to come up here, but I’m delighted that he’s adapted.

"He also picked up a few injuries, which didn’t help. However, he never once moaned about it. He just got on with it.

"Like all the players here. Billy’s just very easy to work with.

"He’s a very quiet, unassuming guy, but when he gets on to the pitch he never gives opponents a moments peace.

"Billy has a very difficult role as the lone striker, yet he is a hard worker who chases lost causes, while he brings great length to our game by the fact he is a willing runner.

"I think the only thing missing for Billy once he found his form last season were the goals, but he’s certainly banging them in just now."