Steven MacDonald says Jordan Alonge deserves his chance in full-time football after excelling with Forres Mechanics.
On Thursday League One side Inverness Caledonian Thistle signed the midfielder from the Can-Cans.
Alonge, who hails from London, has previously played in America and Canada and he arrived in Scotland last summer and signed for Rothes.
However, in September of last year the 26-year-old joined fellow Breedon Highland League side Forres.
He went on to score 14 goals for the Mosset Park outfit and was named their player of the year.
Alonge’s form for Forres attracted the attention of Caley Thistle and although manager MacDonald didn’t want to lose Alonge from his squad, he’s pleased he’s getting the opportunity to play full-time football.
In recent years a number of players have gone on to play for SPFL clubs after doing well for the Can-Cans.
Striker Ben Barron earned a move to Elgin City as a result of his displays for Forres, fellow forward Ethan Cairns featured for Caley Thistle following a productive loan spell at Mosset Park and current Elgin players Connall Ewan and Ryan MacLeman also had loan stints at Forres while still with Ross County.
Alonge deserves SPFL chance
Reflecting on Alonge’s switch to Inverness, boss MacDonald said: “We are all delighted Jordan has been given the opportunity to play full-time football in the SPFL.
“Jordan is an athletic player and scored 14 goals for us last season, despite only joining us in mid-September.
“Getting forward from midfield into the last third of the pitch is something he excels at and he’s also a clever finisher.
“Jordan’s deceptively quick and can almost glide past players at times, he’s also strong in the air and has a good presence in both boxes.
“I think it’s great that Scott Kellacher (Caley Thistle manager) and Charlie Christie (Caley Thistle chief executive) are being brave enough to try to recruit top Highland League players and I hope they are rewarded.
“Understandably at Forres we didn’t want to lose a player like Jordan, but there are a few players that have progressed from Forres to the SPFL in the last couple of years and it’s great for the club.
“Although we obviously want to progress up the Highland League, it’s vital players feel they can trust the club to help them develop and move up into the SPFL if the opportunity arises.
“Jordan is a humble and intelligent person who thoroughly deserves the chance because of his attitude and dedication.
“I’d like to thank Jordan for his service during his time at Forres and everyone at Forres wishes him all the best at Inverness Caledonian Thistle.”
Conversation