Striker says professional deal dream comes true at Inverness Caledonian Thistle
HARRY Lodovica says he has realised his dream of becoming a professional footballer after signing with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
The 24-year-old was officially unveiled as a Caley Thistle player as he made his debut as a substitute in the 1-0 Viaplay Cup group stage defeat at Dundee.
The English striker arrived from English National League South club Aveley after a successful trial with Inverness when he featured in friendlies against Elgin City and Nairn County.
Lodovica says after spending his career playing part-time football, he is grateful that he has the chance to play full time with Inverness Caledonian Thistle.
He said “I was playing part-time football for Chelmsford City and before that, Braintree Town. They are both National League South, so a decent level.
“Half of that league is full-time, the other half part-time. Both those teams are part-time.
“I’ve been looking for full-time ever since I’ve been 21, 22.
“Inverness came in, they wanted me on a trial.
“It was a professional, full-time set-up so it was a no-brainer for me.
“I jumped at it at the first opportunity, stayed for a two-week trial and just been waiting for my clearance for the last week.
“Thankfully I was able to play against Dundee.”
Lodovica signed for Aveley in June but only on a part time basis.
He says he is grateful to Aveley for allowing him to realise his professional footballer dream with Caley Thistle.
“After Chelmsford, I signed a non-contract with Aveley. The gaffer Danny Scopes is a wonderful guy.
“He understood that Inverness is a massive level up, a good push up for me and he felt I was ready to go for it.
“He’s wanted me from last year.
“He’s known about me and knows I was looking for full-time football so he wasn’t going to stop me from going for the opportunity.
“He said if it turned out unsuccessful up here then I’d have a place back there at Aveley. So it’s a no-brainer for me. He wished me luck and he hopes it all goes well.”
After graduating from university, Lodovica balanced his football career while working at a Nike store in London.
Now he is full time at Inverness, he says he is determined to prove his worth at the club.
“Working and playing part-time football, it’s difficult to get to where you really want to get to in terms of level.
“I’ve done mad sacrifices to get here.
“Waking up super-early in the days I’ve got work and train - just to try and do double sessions so that I’m not getting left behind by guys who are full-time.
“I had a little groin injury here a couple of weeks ago and I think that was down to doing too much.
“Obviously the physio said now that I’m here I am free to train as much as I want but to ease into it.”