Celtic youngster Ross Doohan suffered playoff misery last night as his Ayr United side went down 3-1 to Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
Doohan has had an exceptional campaign with the Championship side this season. He’s racked up 46 appearances, and has even managed 20 clean sheets this term too. Doohan has recorded shutouts against the likes of Dundee United, Dundee, and Inverness this campaign.
Unfortunately, however, yesterday wasn’t to be another one of them. Charlie Trafford opened the scoring for the Caley Jags, before a Jordan White brace sandwiched Michael Rose’s glimmer of hope for the Honest Men.
It’s by no means the end of the road, however. Ayr will go to Inverness knowing they need to win 2-0 to take things to extra-time. Away goals don’t count in the playoffs, which doesn’t make it as big a deficit as it could’ve been.
Doohan’s United have been to Inverness twice already this season. He’s only conceded one goal in two games at the Caledonian Stadium, but Ayr have failed to score there this season too.
A success for Doohan regardless
Make no mistake, however, Doohan can hold his head up high this season. It’s just his second spell away from Celtic Park on loan, and what a breakthrough year it’s been for him at senior level.
He managed a terrific seven-game run of clean sheets earlier on this season in a division that’s been at it’s most competitive in years this term.
Ayr also finished the campaign in third place in the final standings. They sat just two points behind Inverness, showing just how fine a campaign Doohan has had as their number one goalkeeper.
Doohan has also been playing for Scotland at under-21 level this season too. So even though the playoffs have started off in almost disastrous fashion, he can look back on the season with immense pride regardless of what happens at Inverness on Saturday.
Further loan moves should now be in the offing for him too. Celtic, if they can, could seriously do with trying to get him a Premiership move. Doohan has proved he has the quality to compete in the Championship, but question marks will still remain over his Premiership capabilities.
The main thing, however, is that he continues to rack up impressive numbers and plays week-in, week-out next term.
Hopefully he puts in another fine display up in the Highlands. But no matter what, it’s been an incredible season from Doohan.
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