ICT trialist set to feature against Fleetwood
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JOHN Hughes could use Sunday’s home friendly against Fleetwood Town to take another look at midfielder Lewis Horner.
The 22-year-old was listed as a trialist for Caley Thistle’s 3-0 friendly win at Deveronvale on Wednesday.
Inverness manager Hughes remained tight-lipped when asked about the identity of the mystery player afterwards, but the Courier can confirm it is former Hibernian youngster Horner.
After departing Easter Road last year following a four-year stint in the Scottish capital, Horner has turned out for non-league sides Newcastle Benfield and most recently Blyth Spartans, where he has featured in several of their pre-season games.
"He’s probably got something to prove, but you can see that he is a lovely footballer," said Hughes.
"He’s worked really hard this week and that shows you how good his fitness levels are given he’s just come to us. He’s done himself no harm whatsoever.
"When I worked with him before, he was a boy that I gave an opportunity to.
"I had high hopes for him. He always caught my eye with his technique and his ability, but he’s just lost his way a little bit.
"I knew he was still on the go, so I just felt he was a guy, like a lot of the players we have here, who has something to prove.
"He’s certainly acquitted himself very well this week."
An own goal on the stroke of half-time from Bryan Bell gave Caley Thistle the breakthrough at Princess Royal Park in midweek, before second half goals by Ryan Christie and Billy Mckay earned Inverness a sixth consecutive pre-season success.
The Highland capital club continue their warm-up matches against English League One Fleetwood Town, managed by former Scotland international Graham Alexander, at Tulloch Caledonian Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 2.30pm).
Hughes hopes to have Ross Draper and Greg Tansey available again after the midfield duo were rested for the win against Deveronvale, but Danny Devine, who was due to undergo a scan on his injured knee yesterday, Richie Foran and Carl Tremarco are all likely to miss out.
"It will be a step up for us and hopefully we’ll have more numbers to choose from," said Hughes. "If not, then we’ll just have to get on with it.
"It’s a game that we are looking forward to. Fleetwood were promoted last season and we will have to be at it to get a result."
Tickets for Sunday’s match against Fleetwood Town are priced at £10 for adults and £5 for concessions, while under-16s get in free.
Fans will be able to enjoy a BBQ and funfair from 12:45pm. Supporters also have the chance to meet the whole first-team squad after the match. Briefs can be purchased in advance from the ticket office, online from ictfc.com, or on the day.
