INVERNESS have warned they will be forced to play SCHOOL KIDS against Hamilton this weekend and blasted the SPFL for a lack of support.
Billy Dodds’ Championship side face an injury crisis with NINE first-team stars currently crocked.
The Highlanders head to Accies in the fourth round of the SPFL Trust Trophy on Saturday.
But club chiefs have warned punters making the 340-mile trip to expect several youngsters to feature.
Caley believe game chiefs haven’t done enough to support their recent problems and claimed a ‘lack of assistance’ from the SPFL in recent weeks.
They informed John Rankin’s side of their problems and believe it was right to warn fans to expect the youngsters to feature.
A club statement said: “As the ticket prices for our away SPFL Trust cup tie v Hamilton are announced, the club feels that it is only fair to let Caley Thistle fans know that because of our continued unprecedented injury situation and the lack of assistance we applied for via the proper channels at the SPFL, the club will have no choice but to play a team in this tie which will not include many of our current first-team squad.
“While we will obviously welcome support for the boys, this in effect will mean our Under-18 squad, many of whom are still at school will play the game.
“We believe that it is only fair that our supporters know this in advance of purchasing tickets and planning a round trip journey of six hours plus and over 300 miles, which we do of course face again the following week in the League match at Hamilton.
“We have spoken to Hamilton in advance of the ticket announcement to explain our situation which is in no way a reflection of anything else other than our injury situation.”
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Caley Thistle have failed to win in their last seven Championship matches as they slipped down the table.
The Jags’ 1-0 home defeat to Dundee saw them slip nine points behind league leaders Ayr.
Dodds led his side to the promotion play-off final last season before losing 6-2 on aggregate to St Johnstone in May.
Caley have had their name on the SPFL Trust Trophy three times before, including the abandoned 2020 final where they shared the title with Raith Rovers as a result of the Covid-19 lockdown but their attempts of a fourth triumph now hang on a knife edge.
When contacted by SunSport, the SPFL admitted they had ‘sympathy’ for the Highlanders but had to stick to the rules.
A spokesman said: “SPFL Rules state that a player out on loan is ineligible to return and play for the lending club until the next transfer window opens.
“While the SPFL has sympathy with any club that is suffering from a number of player injuries, it is essential that the League applies these rules consistently and fairly to ensure the integrity of its competitions.”
Keep up to date with ALL the latest news and transfers at the Scottish Sun football page
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
