Inverness Caley Thistle defender Cameron Harper holds on to Scotland call ambition
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CAMERON Harper remains hungry to earn more international action – and make up for a family regret he suffered on winning his first cap.
The Caley Thistle left-back, capped for Scotland under 21s against Northern Ireland in June last year, missed out on the call for his country in yesterday’s squad announcement.
Manager Scot Gemmill will be aware of Harper’s form this season as a Championship ever-present for Inverness, but opted for Celtic’s Adam Montgomery and Josh Doig, a Serie A signing from Hibs for Verona.
Last year’s call-up alongside Robbie Deas and Daniel Mackay was a proud moment for his family, with only one downside. Dad Mike, after years of transporting and supporting his son far and wide in his fledgling football career, was unable to attend.
At 20, Harper’s chance could still come again, but his overwhelming focus is on Caley Thistle’s league campaign.
“I’d love to play for my country again, any player would,” Harper said.
“I’d definitely say it is in the back of my mind, rather than something I’ve overly thought about since I was last there with Scotland.
“If I just concentrate on playing, week-in week-out, and continue the consistency I’ve shown this season, then I’ll have a good chance.
“Playing for the 21s was a proud moment for my dad especially. It killed me, actually, because Covid meant he couldn’t come along to watch. There were no TV links, nothing.
“It hurt me, I’m not going to lie. What killed me the most was the fact my dad had followed me everywhere in football, up and down the country and abroad.
“I ‘d have loved for him to be there because I know he would have loved to have seen it. But for myself and my whole family, it was a really proud moment and one I’d like to experience again.”
Harper’s versatility is another strength Gemmill must be aware of, with Billy Dodds using him in a more attacking role against Raith.
“The gaffer asked me if I would do a job for him there and I’ll do anything for the team,” he said. “It obviously paid off with us winning 2-0.
“I would say I have quite a good footballing brain, where I’m comfortable playing anywhere.”
