Caley Thistle assistant manager Russell Latapy believes the sky is the limit for midfielder Ryan Christie.
Christie capped a fine season for his club when he helped the Scotland under-21s to victory in Hungary last week and Latapy believes the 20-year-old is capable of emulating the best young talent he has worked with – Burnley’s Scott Arfield.
Latapy said: “I like the way Ryan goes about his business. He keeps his head down and works away without complaining which is fantastic.
“There is maybe one other player I’ve worked with who had the same potential as Ryan and that is Scott Arfield who is playing in the English Premier League now.
“Ryan has got it all. He has a fantastic left foot, technically he is good and he has great vision. He has a really bright future. I just hope he can stay away from injuries and the referees protect him.
“I see players coming through the ball and taking the player, too, and referees let them away with it. If they do that players take liberties. I’m not asking for fouls to be given when they are not fouls but we cannot have players being abused.”
Latapy is delighted to see players at the club being recognised by their country. Andy Shinnie and Billy Mckay both broke into the international set-up while they were at Inverness and Christie is the latest player to follow suit.
The Caley Jags coach said: “Ryan was away with the Scotland under-21s and I know Aaron Doran has aspirations to do the same with the Republic of Ireland. It can only be good for players to have aspirations and I’m sure the other players will take inspiration from them, too.
“It is also good for the club that other coaches are looking at our players and seeing what they can do. In Ryan’s case it has been deserved as he has worked hard.”
Latapy hopes to see Christie and Doran put themselves in contention for future international squads by impressing at club level, starting with today’s match against Dundee at Caledonian Stadium.
The Inverness assistant manager said: “Based on the games between us this season it is shaping up to be another cracking game. I hope to see the ball down and being passed. If we do that I’m sure we can take the three points.”