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Inverness teenager gave thumbs up to Caley Thistle supporting grandfather after scoring against his team





DYLAN Smith says he gave the thumbs up to his grandfather after scoring against the team that he supports on Saturday.

Dylan Smith pictured in action for Ross County.
Dylan Smith pictured in action for Ross County.

The former Culloden Academy pupil, who is on loan at Arbroath from Ross County, put the visitors in front before Gavin Reilly sealed their win in injury time.

When Smith scored, he gave the thumbs up to his grandfather Francis Blackhurst, who was sitting in the home end at the Caledonian Stadium as a Caley Thistle supporter.

Smith joked afterwards he might need to make it up to his grandfather after scoring against the team he supports, where he is a season ticket holder.

He said: “My grandfather was in the Caley end and my whole family is from Inverness.

“He is the only one who is a Caley Thistle fan. I was buzzing to get the goal and I gave him a thumbs up. He has a season ticket here and I will need to get him a better Christmas present as I am not sure he would have enjoyed that.”

Smith says he was delighted to get the opening goal which would set Arbroath on their way to victory and move top of the league.

A cross from Ryan Dow found Smith’s head and he nodded past goalkeeper Musa Dibaga early in the second half.

After Robbie Thompson was sent off early in the first half and Inverness were reduced to 10 men, Smith was pleased Arbroath could make their man advantage count.

“To go 1-0 up after they had a man sent off, we had to get a goal from somewhere. I felt at times we rushed our attacks and we had too much time. But it was a good ball in and it was great to get a touch.”

Smith was sent on loan from Ross County at the start of the campaign as Staggies manager Don Cowie was keen for the 18-year-old to get more game time.

Smith feels that he is benefitting from the move to the League One outfit and is enjoying his time at Gayfield.

He said: “Physically it is more demanding than it is at academy level. I am taking it in my stride and I feel like I am going to push on as the games go on.”

“I do training Monday and Tuesday at Ross County, have a day off on Wednesday, then train Thursday and Friday with Arbroath.

“Both managers have input, Colin Hamilton and David Gold know what they want from me. We have loan watch at Ross County and they will give me feedback. But I take part and parcel from both clubs and add them to my game.”

In addition, Smith represents Scotland at under-19 level, recently playing in the European Championship qualifiers in November.

He says that he always enjoys playing at international level and wants to continue making his way up the age groups for Scotland.

He said: “I want to push on with Scotland and try to get into the older age groups and I want to push on into the under-21’s.”


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