PATIENCE has certainly been key for striker Liam Buchanan on his return to the Wee County.

But far from sulking on the sidelines he got his just rewards in the Highlands last weekend.

Despite arriving with hopes of firing Alloa to glory, the veteran has found his role reduced to cameos off the bench in recent weeks with a single start against Ayr United to his name.

He was hooked at half-time in that forgettable day and that could have been enough for other players to kick up a fuss – but not Buchanan.

The 34-year-old starred in the Wasps' superb draw at the home of promotion chasers Inverness Caley Thistle, scoring the opener and using all of his 400 plus career games to effectively lead the line.

"The way the gaffer has been playing at times I have been unlucky not to be playing and I have had to be patient," Buchanan told Advertiser Sport.

"The gaffer has done what he thinks is best for the side, but I came in and took my chance, got a goal, and I was delighted with that."

Buchanan's sixth minute strike – the result of a wonderful flowing move involving a swarm of Wasps – gave Alloa a deserved lead seven days on from their Tunnock's Caramel Wafer Cup defeat.

Peter Grant's men seemed to have held off the advances of John Robertson's side only for Carl Tremarco and Jordan White to turn the game on its head.

But, Alloa refused to wilt and up popped Alan Trouten at the death to secure a precious point.

Buchanan said: "We came up here again with a few players back and the spirit among us was great to get the lead, to keep our shape really well, and to be disciplined.

"We were disappointed to concede, but then getting back in with the goal from Trouts was brilliant.

"It (Buchanan's goal) was a very good team move and we came out of the traps really well. We can hold our own and playing football we will match anyone and we showed that with our goal."

Buchanan continued: "A lot of teams would just feel sorry for themselves (after White's late goal) and be down but definitely not this side.

"We got the ball into the box and Trouts is Trouts and got on the end of it and it was a fantastic finish.

"At times you could watch us this season and we play fantastic football and get the plaudits for that.

"But, you saw us dig in and everyone was prepared to do what was needed to get the result.

"It would have been a travesty if we didn't get anything from the game as we were extremely well disciplined as a team and did what we had to do off the ball.

"In terms of actual chances, they didn't really have a lot and getting the point was reward for the boys' work rate and persistence."