Ridgers hits century for Inverness Caledonian Thistle
MARK Ridgers will become a Caley Thistle centurion when he plays his 100th game for the club against Partick Thistle today.
And the Inverness number one says the more games he racks up in between the sticks, the better the goalkeeper he is becoming.
Going into his third season at Inverness, Ridgers (29) says he has enjoyed memorable moments while playing under manager John Robertson.
But he says the highlight of his time at the club has been playing regular football and being trusted with the gloves week in, week out for the last two and a half years.
“To play 100 games for the club and especially the way my career went after I left Hearts, it has been really nice to have that stability.” he said.
“For my own personal development to play that amount of games has been good.
“I’m at that stage now where I feel comfortable playing now.
“It’s crazy to think the older you get the easier it becomes being a goalkeeper.
"That’s the way I feel at the moment. “
Ridgers arrived at the Caledonian Stadium two months after leaving Partick Thistle in July 2017.
Looking back at his time as an Inverness goalkeeper so far, Ridgers says there were two games that have stood out for him.
“The Scottish Cup win against Ross County was one of the standout moments because the way last season went and we were struggling to beat them.
“Also the Irn-Bru Cup final was the first cup final that I had played in.“
Ridgers helped Inverness from struggling in the bottom half of the table two years ago to third place and a play-off semi final last season.
He says he is proud of how the club have improved since being relegated from the top flight three seasons ago.
But he said his team knows more hard work is to come if they are to make it back to the Premiership.
“When I signed the club was going through a transition period on and off the field.
“But everything is going in the right direction.
“Last year was a disappointment to lose in the play-offs but this year we have started off well.
“We have a good squad and everyone knows what needs to be done.
“Apart from the Dundee United game we have done what is needed.
“We need to do that through the season and fingers crossed we are looking at Premier League football next year.”
