Inverness Caledonian Thistle left back Cameron Harper hoping to shine under Friday night lights against Kilmarnock
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Cameron Harper admits a victory tomorrow night over Kilmarnock would be simply huge for Caley Thistle’s promotion campaign.
Speaking after only his third full 90 minutes since July’s League Cup group stages, the young Caley Jags left back had no idea whether he would be called upon to start at the Caledonian Stadium.
Regardless of whether he does, though, the 20-year-old craves that Friday night winning feeling.
“If we could get the points on the board on Friday evening, I think it would be massive,” Harper said.
“It is well-documented that Kilmarnock are favourites for the league, but it really is just so tight up around the top places with only two points separating the top five places.
“Every game is huge in a league like this, where everyone can beat everyone else, but we know the significance of pitting ourselves against Killie.
“It is just really important we produce our best on the night. To get the points a day before the rest of the league plays would be good psychologically as well.
“We just take it game-by-game and we’ll see what Friday brings.”
Harper, having made the full back role his own last season, has had to play second fiddle more often than not to Robbie Deas in the current campaign.
He is itching for more, but striving to be patient, saying: “The Raith match was my first 90 minutes in a long while – since the defeat to Hamilton in early October. I also started against Elgin in the last round of the SPFL Trust Trophy
“On Tuesday night, my calves were feeling it at half-time! I’ve had to bide my time and wait for these cup games, just because the boys have been doing so well in the league, but the gaffer always said I would get my chance and, when it comes, I had to take it.
“I felt I played well against Raith and there’s definitely an opportunity for me if I keep doing well.
“We’ve got a strong squad and there’s a lot of competition all over the pitch, but everyone’s in it together, no matter if you’re coming on for five minutes or starting the game. Everyone wants to do the best for their team.”
Reflecting on a night of excellent outfield play, but a lack of ruthlessness in and around the penalty box, Harper added: “There was a lot of good football played by us.
“We’re gutted not to have won. With penalties, it is great when you win it and horrendous when you lose, but it felt like a good display against a strong Raith side.”
