Horner chases Europa start

Raven’s injury opens door

Caley Thistle defender Lewis Horner is targeting a place in the side to play FC Astra in next week’s Europa League qualifier at the Caledonian Stadium after struggling to break into John Hughes’ side in his first season with Inverness.

Caley Thistle defender Lewis Horner is targeting a place in the side to play FC Astra in next week’s Europa League qualifier at the Caledonian Stadium.

Horner struggled to break into John Hughes’ side in his first season with Inverness after joining from English non-league club Blyth Spartans last summer, making just one start and one substitute appearance.

With regular right back David Raven still recovering from the torn calf which ruled him out of May’s Scottish Cup final win against Falkirk, Horner could be handed his chance against the Romanians next Thursday.

The Newcastle-born player has started pre-season victories against Brora Rangers and Deveronvale and is likely to be handed his chance once again in Caley Thistle’s latest friendly against Forres Mechanics at Mosset Park tonight.

After signing a new one-year contractwith Caley Jags at theendof last campaign, Horner began his pre-season preparations early in an attempt to force his way into the reckoning.

He said: “It’s going to be a big season for me. I’ve had the chance to play twogames with David not being fit and I’m just trying to make the most of it and catch the manager’s eye.

“I did a lot of work over the summer and tried to come back in good shape.

“It’s the first time I’ve done it. I didn’t play many games last season, so after not getting a chance I wanted to come back and catch the eye straight away. I did sessions of speed work and I’m feeling the rewards.

“I still managed to get away on holiday but then worked with a personal trainer for 10 days. I’m happy with how it went.

“All year I worked in the gym developing my body strength. I came here as a thin 21-year-old, but I’ve

“Trying to make the most of it and catch the manager’s eye”

built myself up over the year. Being a squad player last year and being on the bench was frustrating, but the players had an excellent season and it was hard to go and knock on the manager’s door and ask to play.

“Not many players have got two full matches under their belt and, although it is not nice to see players injured, this is a chance for me.”

Horner’s first start for Caley Jags was a bittersweet experience, with Inverness defeated 5-0 by champions Celtic on the last day of the Premiership season in May.