Christie left unfazed by speculation
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SPECULATION surrounding his future will not affect Ryan Christie after another starring display for Caley Thistle.
Christie was linked with a move to Swansea last week, while Liverpool have also been mentioned as a potential destination for the playmaker, who came off the bench against Celtic to score and set up another.
A confession from John Hughes last week that the player could leave the club, if Inverness receive the right offer, has thrust Christie further into the limelight.
Carl Tremarco has had a front-row seat for the 20-year-old’s development and, from Christie’s behaviour in the dressing room, does not see the attention getting to him.
"I don’t think it bothers him — he doesn’t let on much," said Tremarco. "We have a bit of banter about him going here or there but he just laughs it off. I’m sure the gaffer will keep his feet on the ground.
"It’s a big season for him and he’s got to step up now. We’ve lost a few players and he’s going to be key for us. He’s only a young lad but he can drive us on and inspire us."
It comes as Inverness continue their pursuit of options to bolster their forward line. The Inverness Courier understands Portadown striker Darren Murray is training with the club this week, following a similar arrangement with Championship side Morton. He has 53 goals in 96 games for the Danske Bank Premier League side and played in his side’s 1-0 defeat to Cliftonville at the weekend.
Murray has also played for Donegal Celtic and Newry City and comes with Europa League experience, having played four games for Portadown in the competition.
His future at Shamrock Park had been in doubt over the summer after handing in a transfer request, but this was withdrawn recently and he started the new league campaign with two goals, plus a red card, against champions Crusaders. He would provide a physical presence and an eye for goal, someone for Christie to find as he continues his growth into being one of the league’s best players.
In the last year Christie has added to his armoury, in that he has been able to play both wide left and wide right when asked to by Hughes.
It is just the start of things to come for Christie, according to Tremarco.
"He’s a lot fitter and sharper. He’s still learning — he’s 20 years of age and has a very bright future in the game. Let’s just hope it’s here," he said. "If he wants to come and ask me I’ll tell him what I know about England. I’m sure the other lads will do the same. But he’s an Inverness player, we need to focus on getting him and the team firing."
The Parkhead game featured Tremarco making his first appearance of the season after a hamstring injury sidelined him for the Europa League campaign, plus the fixtures against Motherwell and St Johnstone.
Graeme Shinnie’s departure has created a void at left-back and Tremarco became the third player to fill that position on Saturday, following David Raven and Danny Williams.
By his own admission last season was frustrating for the former Macclesfield Town defender and he is keen to make up for lost time.
"I can’t lie, it was difficult for me being in and out of the team. But I couldn’t really complain as Graeme was one of the best players in Scotland," he said. "I would imagine they’d make comparisons with Graeme. I like to think I kept him on his toes for the last two seasons.
"Hopefully the manager sees I’m capable of filling that role this season. Danny has been one of our best players this season and it’s added another string to his bow. The gaffer probably thinks we don’t need to add another full-back as cover because he’s more than capable of playing there."
"The injury in pre-season was unfortunate but I just need to knuckle down now. The hamstring is fine and I just need to get my fitness."
