Celtic upset 20 years ago made Caley Thistle believe anything was possible
CHARLIE Christie says Caley Thistle upsetting the odds 20 years ago beating Celtic in the Scottish Cup was the catalyst for the success which followed.
The former striker was part of the team which won 3-1 at Parkhead on February 8, 2000 in the third round of the competition.
It was the result which put Christie and his teammates into Scottish Cup folklore inspiring the famous headline 'Super Caley Go Ballistic Celtic are Atrocious.'
Looking back 20 years ago, Christie believes it also inspired the club to reach the top flight as well as reaching cup finals, including the Scottish Cup victory in 2015.
"In Inverness we know all about famous cup upsets and tomorrow will mark a significant anniversary of our most renowned one," he said.
"It is frightening to think that 20 years have passed since we sent shock waves around the football fraternity with our win at Parkhead.
"I have enjoyed reminiscing about the match this week with former team mates.
"That result had significant repercussions for the Glasgow side resulting in the sacking of John Barnes.
"Whilst it reinforced the belief that we at Caley Thistle could achieve so much in the Scottish game.
"It is something that we have done as a club on numerous occasions since."
Caley Thistle may have played in the Championship for the last three years looking for a way back to the top flight next season.
But that didn't stop them reaching the semi final of the Scottish Cup last season beating Edinburgh City, East Kilbride, Ross County and Dundee United before being defeated 3-0 by Hearts in the semi final.
Christie is not ruling out another upset happening tomorrow at the Caledonian Stadium.
After the exploits of last season, he would be disappointed if Inverness could not go on another memorable cup run.
"Livingston will make their second trip to the highlands in four days.
"Whilst Gary Holt’s men go into the tie as favourites, we are more than capable of upsetting the odds if we can handle their physicality.
"Livingston have done tremendously well so far this season and look certainties to finish in the top six – a great achievement given the resources they work with.
"But we have home advantage and, after last season’s cup exploits, it would be a real blow for us to go out at this stage."
Read how the Inverness Courier reported the famous upset 20 years ago.
