Caley Thistle midfielder Lewis Horner says he may be forced to seek a move away from Caledonian Stadium if he is not handed more first-team opportunities.
Horner made just one start and one substitute appearance in his first season at the club last year after joining from English non-league outfit Blyth Spartans.
Despite his lack of playing time the 23-year-old was handed a new one-year contract by manager John Hughes in the summer, and made five appearances during Inverness’ injury crisis this season.
After failing to start the last two games, however, Horner is beginning to ask questions about his own future at the club, with the Englishman set to consider his options should he not regain his place.
Horner said: “I’m out of the team at the minute, so I’ve just got to work even harder to try and get myself back in.
“If things are not going to work out that way, I’ll maybe have to look elsewhere. Even if it’s a loan option to get out and play.
“I’m 24 in February, so I want to be playing regularly. It’s something I’ll have to look at if I can’t get myself back in the team, although I have not said anything to the manager.
“Last season was disappointing for myself personally. I don’t really want to be doing that again.
“Playing week in, week out is something I want to try and do this year.
“It’s early to say it’s a crossroads for me at the club, there’s still a long way to go in the season. I’m just trying to get myself in the team first of all. It was really nice to get three starts under my belt.
“To be out the team again is disappointing but I’ve just got to work hard and see what happens.”
Horner remains keen to help Inverness improve upon their poor start to the Premiership campaign, with last season’s Scottish Cup winners still searching for their first victory in eight competitive matches.
Newly-promoted Hearts are the visitors to the Highlands this evening and Horner expects a strong reaction from his side.
The former Hibernian midfielder added: “There has always been a good spirit in the dressing-room. There has never been any doubt or self-belief.
“We’ve been training really well. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time before it changes.
“We lost three or four big players from last year but we’ve brought a few new lads in and a couple on loan.
“The underdog mentality has always been there and that’s the way we like playing.”
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