Inverness CT 2-1 Fleetwood Town: Horner poised

JOHN HUGHES is poised to make Hibernian reject Lewis Horner his second summer signing.

Inverness manager John Hughes. Picture: Ian Georgeson

Scorers: Inverness CT - Mckay 42, Vincent 61; FTown - Cresswell 56

The Caley Thistle boss gave the 22-year-old Geordie midfielder a substitute’s run-out in today’s impressive 2-1 victory over Fleetwood Town.

Horner, dumped by Hibs in 2012, has been languishing in English non-league football with Newcastle Benfield and current club Blyth Spartans.

But Hughes said: “He’s a kid who has maybe just lost his way a little bit.

“But he wants the opportunity and fits as someone hungry, with something to prove.

“Technically, he’s a very good footballer and his fitness levels are very good.

“It is probably one we’re going to do and I’d love to do it because he’s fitted right in with the boys.

“He probably just needs someone to show the belief in him to get going again.”

Fleetwood, managed by ex-Scotland star Graham Alexander, are newly-promoted to England’s League One.

But they always looked second best against the Highlanders.

The away team had a neat Jamie Proctor finish chalked off for off-side after 33 minutes.

But the hosts soon retaliated with striker Billy Mckay netting the first home goal of the season.

David Raven’s delivery from the right held pace and the Northern Ireland international nipped in front of big defender Ryan Cresswell to smash a mid-air volley high into the net.

Inverness looked comfortable but lost an equaliser against the run of play after 56 minutes.

A swirling Steven Schumacher free-kick from deep left was met brilliantly in the air by Cresswell who looped a 10-yard header over Dean Brill.

Caley Thistle took five minutes to restore the lead, with Graeme Shinnie cracking the near post from a Ryan Christie cross and James Vincent pouncing on the rebound for the winner from six yards.

Caley Thistle - Brill; Raven, Shinnie, Vincent, Warren, McKay, Doran, Tansey, Tremarco, Williams, Christie. Subs: Esson, Trialist, Ross, J. Brown, Watkins, C. Brown, Polworth.

Fleetwood - Maxwell, McLauchlan, Jordan, Schumacher, Pond, Cresswell, Matthew, Morris, Proctor, Sarcevic, Ball. Subs: Davies, Matt, Murdoch, Hogan, Hughes, Evans.

Referee: Alan Muir.