Rooney: Inverness ready to shine

13 August 2010 13:31

Striker Adam Rooney is confident Inverness are more than equipped for life back in the Clydesdale Bank Premier League.

Caley Thistle begin life back in the top flight at home to Celtic on Saturday after winning the Irn-Bru First Division title by 12 points following a 21-game unbeaten league run. Rooney, 22, was voted the division's player of the season and he is eager to take his form into the SPL.

"We've had a really good pre-season, the first couple of weeks were tough with all the running but the trip to Blackpool was excellent and helped the team bond together," the Irishman said. "We'll be up for every game this year no matter who we play, home or away we're just keen to get the three points from every game."

He continued: "It's definitely different from last year because everyone had to get used to being relegated from the SPL and I don't think too many had experienced that before.

"A few new lads came in and it took time for everybody to gel and get to know each other, and when it did click we showed what a good team we can be."

Rooney, who was signed by Craig Brewster, ended his first campaign in Scotland with six goals to his name as the Highlanders slipped down a division.

However, last season he netted 27 goals to become Caley Thistle's main goal threat. But the former Stoke player is not overly focused on goal targets this season.

"Nobody has put me under any pressure to score a certain amount of goals," he said. "It will just be up to me to grab as many goals as I can just like last year.

"A lot of guys chipped in with goals last year, Richie Foran grabbed 16 and Johnny Hayes got 10, so there's definitely goals throughout the team and we'll need everyone scoring this season.

"There's a lot of experience in the side, with some guys having played all five seasons in the SPL and there's a good mix in the squad at the moment. The younger lads will provide the energy and the older guys will keep us in check. But we'll need to work as a team just as we did last year."

Source: PA