Gelandang Bournemouth, Ryan Christie, dinilai menjadi inspirasi besar bagi generasi muda di Highland menjelang debut potensialnya bersama Tim Nasional Skotlandia pada Piala Dunia 2026.
Kepala pelatih Inverness Caley Thistle, Scott Kellacher, menyatakan bahwa pencapaian Christie yang telah mengemas 68 penampilan bersama Skotlandia merupakan hal luar biasa.
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"If that doesn’t drive young, local players, nothing will," ujar Kellacher.
Kellacher menilai akademi muda yang dimiliki klubnya sebagai salah satu yang terbaik di Skotlandia. Ia menyebut Christie adalah bagian besar dari keberhasilan tersebut.
"I genuinely do think we’ve got one of the best youth academies in Scotland.
When you look at the players we’ve brought through over the years compared to other clubs, I think it’s second to none, and Ryan is a big part of that," kata Kellacher.
Pihak klub dan seluruh elemen kota Inverness merasa bangga memiliki perwakilan yang berhasil menembus turnamen sepak bola paling bergengsi di dunia.
"Ryan is a credit to himself, his family and the city with how hard he has worked, and he is a good, humble boy who deserves it all.
It just shows you what hard work and dedication can get you, and it’s a great story," tutur Kellacher.
Perjalanan karier Christie dari bermain di Aquadome hingga berangkat menuju Piala Dunia disebutnya sebagai kisah fenomenal.
"I’m delighted for Ryan and all his family.
They have always been there and followed Ryan everywhere, and I was there in the early stages when Charlie was coaching him," ucap Kellacher.
Ia menambahkan bahwa seluruh elemen di stadion ikut gembira atas pencapaian sang gelandang berusia 31 tahun itu.
"Everybody in the city and at the stadium is absolutely over the moon for him.
We should be so proud that we’ve got a player from Inverness going to the World Cup – nobody will ever do that," jelas Kellacher.
