Ridgers’ pride as he nears 70 shut-outs

Record-breaking goalkeeper Mark Ridgers is determined to add to his shut-out tally – and help take Caley Thistle into the Premiership play-off final.

The Inverness number one set a new club record in Friday’s 1-0 play-off quarter-final win against Partick Thistle, reaching 68 clean sheets. On Tuesday, ICT’s goalless draw against Arbroath in the semi-final first leg boosted his tally further.

Whether the Highlanders progress to face St Johnstone at the final hurdle depends on whether they can get the better of Championship runners-up Arbroath at Gayfield on Friday.

Another perfect performance defensively could make the difference.

Ridgers speaks with pride about reaching the milestone, but stressed teamwork has helped make it happen.

He said: “The clean sheets record was the goal, so I am proud to do that and be part of the club’s history. Every shutout after that is a bonus.

“When I first signed for the club (in 2017), I didn’t think I would be here this long. But I love it.

“I’m from here and we do hard work with (coach) Ryan Esson and (goalkeeper) Cammy Mackay and the defenders that have come and gone. Every clean sheet is just as important and hopefully I get another one on Friday.”

Mark Brown, who starred for ICT in 200207, was a big figure as the club soared into the top flight, and held the clean sheet record until Ridgers overtook him last week.

Ridgers knows every piece of club history is there to be aimed at.

He said: “It has been a record for years and mine will get broken. But at the moment it is something I can be proud of and the hard work I have put into this club is a reward for that.”

Mark Ridgers expects a ‘hostile’ reception.