Caley Thistle midfielder Liam Polworth’s delight at being called up to the Scotland under-21 squad has been tempered by his club’s fall from grace.
Polworth, pictured below, was last week selected by manager Ricky Sbragia for the first time, for European qualifiers against France and Northern Ireland later this month.
The news comes as Caley Jags’ league form has stuttered, with John Hughes’ side failing to win any of their last five Premiership matches.
Polworth is proud of his recognition, but has struggled to take his mind off his club’s current position.
He said: “I’m thrilled with the Scotland under 21 call-up but it comes on the back of two defeats for the club so, although it is good for me, it has not been a good few days.
“No-one likes to be involved in a run of not winning games, but we just have to look forward to the Hibs game tomorrow and try to put it behind us.
“We will just focus on what is a massive game in the Scottish Cup. When we get through this one, we can really get our teeth into the remaining league matches and kick on again.
“I wasn’t really thinking about the under-21 national team. It has been tough over the last couple of years trying to get into the Inverness team. To finally get a bit of recognition this season, I’m really happy.”
Polworth’s development has been one of the highlights of Caley Thistle’s campaign, with the 21-year-old establishing himself as a regular, making 33 appearances.
A three-year contract is on offer for Polworth, and he reckons the season has been a breakthrough for him.
Polworth added: “I’ve been offered a new contract by the club and we’re just in the process of seeing what’s happening.
“I’m delighted. For the last few years I’ve been getting a one-year deal every summer, so I think it is a reward for what I’ve put into my performances.
“On the whole, it has been a good season and if we can tie it all up and get future sorted then I’ll be happy.”