Clachnacuddin loan star Robbie Thompson aims to make step up at Inverness Caledonian Thistle after season on loan at Highland League club
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Robbie Thompson hopes his season on loan at Clachnacuddin can be a step in the right direction to achieving his ambition of breaking into the first team squad at Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
The 17-year-old midfielder has impressed for the Lilywhites in the Highland League this season, holding down a regular place in the first team.
During his time on loan at Merkinch, the former Inverness Royal Academy pupil has also been training at Caley Thistle under the watchful eye of head coach Billy Dodds and his coaching team.
Thompson says he has learned a lot playing in the Highland League and thinks it will stand him in good stead when he returns to Caley Thistle at the end of the season.
“I normally train four times a week with Inverness Caledonian Thistle and speak to the coaches afterwards.
“They have come down to watch me a few times at Clach and are tracking my progress.
“It is good to be able to train with the first team and good quality players.
I would love to play for Caley Thistle, as I have been in the youth system since I was eight.
“Being able to go to Clach and learn the game in the Highland League playing against men I feel is a good start.
“Hopefully if I keep playing well, the manager will see that and if I keep working hard, I believe I can make it in to the first team.”
Thompson says training alongside first team players, and especially those who have experience of top flight football has been good for his own development.
“A lot of the senior players set good examples such as Kirk Broadfoot and Billy McKay and it is good to see how they train and set the standard.
“It is good to see that every day so close up, even playing against them is such a challenge and that will help me develop myself playing against quality players who have such experience.”
Clachnacuddin continue their league season against Huntly at Christie Park tomorrow and Thompson feels a top half finish for the first time since 2013 is within their reach.
“Our final position could still be eighth, if we get the results we need,” said Thompson.
“That would be a great season for us if we could finish in eighth or ninth place. It would be amazing to change the way things have been at Clach.”
