Caley Jags’ youngsters show staff their worth

Ryan Esson is calling for Caley Thistle’s young guns to be given time to shine as the class of 2021 aim for the stars in the Championship.

The first-team coach, who assists new head coach Billy Dodds alongside Barry Wilson, is more than satisfied with youngsters who have been grasping their chance in the opening two pre-season outings.

As a key under-18 guide, Esson has coached many of these lads as they have worked their way up the ladder and they’ve now got professional deals in their hands.

Ethan Cairns got off to a scoring start in a 5-0 win at Clach last week, while five teenagers started in the weekend’s 1-0 win at Forres Mechanics.

Robbie Thompson, Harry Hennem, Ally Riddle, Lewis Hyde, and Harry Nicolson, along with Cairns, have enjoyed being involved within the first two games.

Tuesday’s pre-season trip to face champions Brora Rangers was called off due to a Covid incident at the Inverness club.

Esson explained how facing men in the Highland League is a sharp learning curve for the talented teens and they must not be rushed in a quest for results, especially in pre-season.

He said: “We’ve featured a mixture of young and old in the first two games.

“Although it was 1-0 at Forres on Saturday, the manager was really impressed with the performance, especially the younger ones.

“People don’t realise how big a step it is for the young players. The transition from playing in the 18s to play against experienced, and I mean experienced, Highland League players.

“They are helped a lot by the likes of Sean Welsh, Tom Walsh and Shane Sutherland. These guys are important, not only for

pushing the club forward but they will help to develop these kids as well.

“It has been an eyeopener and they have come in and hit the ground running. The manager likes what he sees and tells them to embrace this opportunity.

“All around, with the experienced boys helping, and the way the young lads have been performing, it’s encouraging.”

The former Aberdeen keeper, who played close to 200 games for ICT since 2008, is clearly enjoying seeing the youngsters flourish at Inverness.

He wants them to take on board the information the coaches are giving them to help them reach the heights.

He stressed: “I have been privileged to coach the young players first hand. I know what they’re capable of and what their potential is.

“All you can do is give them the tools for success.”