The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
It’s Paradise found again as Horner steps in
Parkhead: Lewis a long way from Spartans start
Playing at Parkhead seemed a world away for defender Lewis Horner just two years ago as he plied his trade in front of a smattering of supporters at English non-league side Blyth Spartans.
Having returned to full-time football with CaleyThistle in summer 2014, however, former Hibernian player Horner has quickly become comfortable with the pressure of full-time football and today hopes to make his third appearance at the home of the champions.
Horner was drafted in at right back for Monday’s 3-1 win against Aberdeen, with Josh Meekings sidelined with a long-term knee injury and David Raven out with a foot injury.
The 24-year-old will embrace the challenge of coming up against the league leaders.
He said: “It always seems to happen– Ialwaysseemtoget theCeltic games. This will be my third one at Parkhead so I’m looking forwardto it.
“I’m not fazed at all as I seem to play better in front of a big crowd.
“Not many people get a second chance to get back into full-time football and to play on a stage
“I’m not fazed at all as I seem to play better in front of a big crowd. Not may get a second chance”
like Parkhead makes me realise how lucky I am.
“I was playing f or Blyth Spartans in t he Nor t hern Premier League and we’d get maybe 500 people watching on a Saturday. It’s alongway since those days.”
Horner has been in and out of the Caley Jags side this season, making 10 appearances under manager John Hughes, with his progress disrupted by a recent foot injury which kept him out for nearly two months.
Horner is determined to stake his claim for a regular berth and added: “There’s not many people who can play right back.
“If I continue with good performances and get my fitness and sharpness back, hopefully I can cement my place in the team.
“Earlier in the season I thought I was doing well and I was a bit disappointed to be left out, but I just kept working away.
“My chance came again but unfortunately I picked up the injury. About four weeks ago I tried to give it a go but only lasted two days and then it went again, so it was another two to three weeks out.
“I can still feel it but it’s not as bad. I’ve got another chance now and hopefully I stay injury-free and in the team.”
first Celtic midfielder Stuart Armstrong believes teammate Patrick Roberts is living up to the hype as the clamour from Hoops supporters to see the 19-yearold in action intensifies.
TheEnglandyouthinternational has shone in a couple of development league games since signing an 18- month loan deal from Manchester City and assistant manager John Collins claimed he was getting closer to a first-team debut ahead of the visit of Inverness today.
Asked about Roberts, who joined City from Fulham for a fee of around £12million, Inverness-born Armstrong, whowas raised in Aberdeen, said: “He’s very talented and we see it in training.
“I’ve not seen the development games but I’ve been hearing very good things. He’s scored a few goals as well, so I think the hype is deserved.”
Roberts adds competition to an already big Hoops squad which will be
“I am hearing good things and he has scored some goals”
bolstered further next season by the addition of Norwegian Kristoffer Ajer.
The 17-year-old Ajer will join the Parkhead club fromIKStartona four-year contract in the summer following a trial in January.
Armstrong accepts competitioncomeswith the territory and the former DundeeUnited player said: “It’s part and parcel of being at Celtic. There’s a lot of competition which gives it a competitive edge.
“It’s the reality of football there’s competition everywhere and we all need to accept it. There’s a lot of players here competing for a place in the team. Everyone wants the team to do well.”
Inverness travel on the back of a morale-boosting home win against Aberdeen on Monday night, which dented the title hopes of the second-placed Dons.
“I saw clips of the Aberdeen game,” Armstrong said. “It’s good they held on to Greg Tansey as I think he’s a very good player.”