FORMER Blackburn Rovers youngster Aaron Doran helped Inverness Caledonian Thistle to their first major honour on Saturday as they beat Falkirk in the Scottish Cup final.

Inverness had already qualified for the Europa League next season after finishing third in the Scottish Premiership during the 2014/15 campaign and claimed a 2-1 win over second tier club Falkirk in the cup final at Hampden Park.

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Former Republic of Ireland under 21 international Doran left Ewood Park to join Inverness permanently in 2011 after a successful loan spell in the Scottish Highlands.

He had previously made three substitute appearances in the Premier League for Rovers.

The 24-year-old has since made more than 100 appearances for Inverness, scoring six goals this season.

He started Saturday’s cup final and provided the clever pass for Marley Watkins to put Inverness in front in the 38th minute.

Inverness had former Tranmere full back Carl Tremarco sent off before Doran was substituted in the 78th minute.

Peter Grant headed an equaliser for Falkirk soon afterwards but James Vincent netted the winner for Inverness with four minutes left.

Defender Josh Meekings hopes the club’s cup triumph will persuade more players to take the long road to the Highlands.

Meekings, who joined Inverness from Ipswich in 2011, said: “I hope this is the kind of thing that will persuade more players to give Inverness a try.

“Obviously we are out the way a bit and up the road. No-one really likes making that journey up the A9.

“But when you are up there it’s fine. In fact it’s absolutely fantastic. I always say it makes the dressing room even better and you go into training enjoying it all.

“It’s a brilliant place to be around because you spend a lot more time with the lads as there is not much stuff to do. So it makes for a really tight bunch.

“This season has just been absolutely fantastic.”

Just 21 years after the club were formed by the merger of the old Highland league rivals Caledonian and Inverness Thistle, supporters are now looking forward to their first foray into Europe.

“I think it could take a few weeks for it to sink in what we have achieved,” Meekings said.