Caley Thistle goalkeeper Mark Ridgers has set himself the target of carrying on his playing career for another decade.
Ridgers, who joined his hometown club last summer after leaving today’s Championship opponents Partick Thistle, has firmly established himself as John Robertson’s first choice having played 40 league matches in succession for Inverness.
With that run coinciding with Caley Jags’ 23-match unbeaten league record, Ridgers feels he is enjoying one of the most productive spells of his career and the 28-year-old is determined to prolong his playing days well into his thirties, and he said: “This is the most games I have played consecutively for a club. When I was younger I had a little loan spell here or there.
“When I was 18 I was at East Fife for a couple of games, then I was at Airdrie for a full season which was massive learning in terms of competitive football.
“I’m only 28, sometimes I don’t feel like it but I could still play for another 10 years. That’s one thing I want to do.
“I’ve been able to start playing now, and be more mature in terms of learning the game.
“A lot of younger goalkeepers try and get involved a bit more, but from my point of view the less I do the better.
“When you are doing the things that can help the team, it’s positive and enjoyable.
“I’ve always enjoyed going to training but when I am playing as well it’s noticeable when people come up and say how well I’m doing. Not to pat my own back, but it’s nice.”
Ridgers’ outstanding save from Ross County forward Billy Mckay’s header in last weekend’s 2-2 Highland derby draw has attracted widespread praise, with the former Staggies and Hearts goalkeeper adding: “I am proud, it was a good save and at the time it was an important save. At the time we were 2-1 up.
“I think the disappointment was we couldn’t hold on, but it’s good to get a bit of credit for something I’ve done.
“It’s hard to blow your own trumpet, but it’s nice to be appreciated in the way people have said about how important it was and how good it was.
“It’s nice, very rarely does the goalkeeper get that sort of exposure – especially in our league.
“I’ve had a lot of messages from fans of other teams on social media. It’s one I’ll definitely be using on my highlight DVD.”
