10 make the step-up from Caley Thistle's under-17s
Robbo hails an "outstanding crop of players"
Caley Thistle have signed up 10 of their youth squad on professional contracts as they look to put the building blocks in place for their forthcoming season 2018-19 and the flourishing youth-development at Inverness. The U17s are now close to clinching the Scottish Under-17 Programme 2 League, with 20 wins from 22 games.
The oldest of the 10 new signings is midfielder Kieran Chalmers (born 2000) a Scottish schoolboy internationalist from Dingwall Academy, who has been with the club since he was 14.
Leading the under-17s is striker Daniel MacKay of Millburn Academy, who has already made a name for himself, setting up the winning goal in the Challenge Cup final against Dumbarton. Dan has been starring for Scotland Schoolboys Under 18s - breaking into the first team squad - becoming both the youngest player to play and score for the club.
The other signings are defenders Gabriel Hastings, Ryan Fyffe, Harry Nicolson and Cameron Harper. Midfielders Jack Brown, Roddy MacGregor and Ross Gunn from Wick and also striker Roddy Kennedy.
Manager John Robertson is thrilled at having such a strong pool of young talent to call upon. They will play in the club’s Under 18 development squad next season but he is encouraging them to catch his eye to claim a place in the first team squad.
Robertson said: “We have an outstanding group of young players, who all deserve the chance of making a career in football"
"The ball is at their feet. It is a tough business, which requires hard work and application to match their obvious ability. These young players are trailblazers – models for the younger players coming through the system. The club’s future is in good hands with this outstanding crop of players”
Club Chairman Graham Rae said: “The signing of these 10 young starlets is a demonstration of our huge commitment to youth development. This is the future of this club. We have produced stars in Ryan Christie, Graeme Shinnie and Liam Polworth and the Class of 2018 promises something very special"
"The Board offer their sincere thanks to our dedicated coaching team for bringing the best out of these talented youngsters and of course their parents and guardians for their support”
Head of Youth Charlie Christie said: “The Under 17 squad is one of the best, if not the best, squad to play for the club and for 10 to sign professional contracts at the same time is truly remarkable"
"If they continue to show the commitment and dedication they have demonstrated so far, they all have a great chance of making the first team and beyond"