Playing at Parkhead seemed a world away for defender Lewis Horner just two years ago as he plied his trade in front of a smattering of supporters at English non-league side Blyth Spartans.
Having returned to full-time football with Caley Thistle in summer 2014, however, former Hibernian player Horner has quickly become comfortable with the pressure of full-time football and hopes to make his third appearance at the home of the Scottish Premiership champions this afternoon.
Horner was drafted in at right back for Monday’s 3-1 win against Aberdeen, with Josh Meekings sidelined with a long-term knee injury and David Raven out with a foot injury, and the 24-year-old will embrace the challenge of coming up against the league leaders this afternoon.
Horner said: “It always seems to happen – I always seem to get the Celtic games. This will be my third one at Parkhead, so I’m looking forward to it.
“I’m not fazed at all as I seem to play better in front of a big crowd.
“Not many people get a second chance to get back into full-time football and to play on a stage like Parkhead makes me realise how lucky I am.
“I was playing for Blyth Spartans in the Northern Premier League and we’d get maybe 500 people watching on a Saturday. It’s a long way since those days.”
Horner has been in and out of the Caley Jags side this season, making 10 appearances under manager John Hughes, with his progress disrupted by a recent foot injury which kept him out for nearly two months.
Horner is determined to stake his claim for a regular berth and added: “There’s not many people who can play right back. If I continue with good performances and get my fitness and sharpness back, hopefully I can cement my place in the team.
“Earlier in the season I thought I was doing well and I was a bit disappointed to be left out but just kept working away.
“My chance came again but unfortunately I picked up the injury. About four weeks I tried to give it a go but only lasted two days and then it went again, so it was another two to three weeks out.
“I can still feel it but it’s not as bad. I’ve got another chance now and hopefully I stay injury-free and in the team.”