Win against Arbroath would be crucial to preserving promotion hopes, believes Inverness Caledonian Thistle goalkeeper Ridgers
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Mark Ridgers believes Inverness Caledonian Thistle are already approaching "must-win" territory if they are to stand any chance of earning promotion this season.
Caley Thistle have made no secret of their targets for the 2020/21 campaign – they want to return to the Premiership after what will have been four seasons out of the top flight.
Two games in though, Inverness are already five points behind Hearts, Dunfermline and Raith Rovers, so Ridgers thinks they have to start picking up wins before a gap opens up that they will not be able to claw back.
"We really need to start getting wins under our belt if we want to be up there come the end of the season," he admitted.
“If we can do that against a very tough Arbroath team, it will show we’re moving in the right direction.
“I think the key for them is they’re a well-drilled team with experience, and they’ve added a couple of loans from Aberdeen as well.
“They are difficult to play against when you’re so-called favourites.
“They know how they like to play and on those two occasions last year we could not break them down. They got the better of us.
“We need to learn from that as, going forward, getting the wins under our belts is crucial if we want to get to where we want to be.”
On a personal level, Ridgers was in the relatively unusual position of wearing the captain's armband in last Saturday's draw against Ayr United in the absence of usual skipper Sean Welsh.
At 30 years old, Ridgers could easily have many years still ahead of him in goal, but he found himself as the elder statesman of the side last time out.
Although he feels honoured to lead his hometown team, he would much rather see the Inverness squad replenished with the likes of Welsh than continue in the role this afternoon.
“It has been pointed out to me that, on Saturday against Ayr, I was the oldest player in the team," Ridgers said.
“It is good from the club’s point of view. I didn't come through the club’s youth system, but coming from the city it is really good and positive to see these lads stepping up, performing well and not looking out of place.
“Hopefully I'm not captain again though, we want the boys back fit.
"Fingers crossed Sean Welsh is ready to go, but if I need to step in again, I’m more than happy to. It’s always nice to be given the armband, but the most important thing is getting a couple of more experienced players back.
“It’s more to give us options, really, especially coming off the bench. We haven’t really had anything different to turn to in the last couple of games.
“Getting these boys back fit would be massive for the squad to push everyone on and also give that strength in depth we need, as tiredness creeps in towards the end of games.”
That being said, Ridgers has been impressed with how well the club's prospects have adapted to senior football so far.
He suspects they have recognised the opportunity in front of them with so many senior players out injured, and are desperate to make an impression on and off the pitch.
“It’s going to be a long season and, by the looks of it, there could be a few more injuries along the way so it’s important these boys step up," he insisted.
“It’s a test of character. They have to learn quickly in terms of how we play.
“With the pace we train at, two or three touch, experienced boys will have a go at them, but that’s just when you want them to show a little about themselves and show they can handle pressure.
“They've shown that. Cameron Harper has adapted brilliantly and he is there in training, demanding standards from people, and that’s a really positive thing.
“They all seem to realise they have an unbelievable opportunity to play at a very good level, at a very good football club, and to progress as well.
“Some younger players coming into teams don’t realise that, but this group has because they’ve been given the opportunity really early.
“If they keep their heads down and work hard hopefully bigger and better things lie ahead.”
