Former Arsenal player sets his sights on promotion with Inverness Caledonian Thistle
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CHARLIE Gilmour knows a player when he sees one.
Having trained daily with talents of the calibre of Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe and Eddie Nketiah in Arsenal’s academy for 14 years, it would be hard not to.
So when the 24-year-old midfielder raves about the ability he sees daily on the Caley Thistle training ground, the comments carry weight.
Catastrophic career setbacks – two damaged ankles and fractures in the back that brought two years out – have set the Scotland and England youth cap on a more modest career path for now.
A wonderful Gunners’ education from the age of six gave way to spells at Norwich City, St Johnstone, Alloa and Cove Rangers, with Gilmour now hoping for his first full, unbroken professional season – and a push for the Premiership play-offs.
He could hardly be less optimistic about prospects.
“I’ve settled in so quickly. I love Inverness,” the Londoner confessed. “The only thing missing was results, but we’re now picking up points. We were so far behind when the new manager came in, but confidence is on another level now. You see it in some of the passing patterns. We were out of this world at times against Ayr.
“The gaffer’s focus is on what we’re good at. He is getting the best out of every single individual. The difference is incredible.”
There will finally be significant movement in the table for Caley Jags if they can win at Dunfermline’s East End Park.
“We can climb to fifth and still have a game in hand on some. We’re in a good position,” Gilmour stressed. “Even before I arrived, the minimum target here for me was the play-offs. I honestly believe we have the best squad in the league.
“Seeing the players in training, I could tell we were too good to be where we are. I’ve no doubts that we’ll be up there.”
A complete season would be huge for Gilmour, who has zero regrets over his Arsenal experience.
“People would say ‘would you have wanted to go a different pathway, maybe a lower division team?’ I wouldn’t have changed it because the education you get is incredible – the best facilities, coaches and players around you.
“It gives you the best possible chance to make it as a footballer. The experiences I had were unforgettable. My main priority this year is to stay injury-free. If I can get a consistent run in the team for the first time, I can then express my ability.”
