THIS CITY HAS GONE CUP DAFT
SCOTTISH CUP FINAL 10 DAYS TO GO Christie: I got a beamer when fans first asked for autograph but I’m loving final frenzy now
RYAN CHRISTIE’S face went scarlet the first time he was chased by autograph hunters in Inverness.
But the Caley Jags kid knows that will be nothing compared to the adulation the Highlanders will get if they can lift the Scottish Cup.
The Football Writers’ Young Player of the Year was caught off guard when a few children clocked him minding his own business about the town.
Christie wasn’t used to getting recognised but after a stunning season he can now barely cross the road without being stopped by punters.
The 20-year-old is lapping it up and knows the squad will be legends if they can become the first Caley Thistle side to win major silverware.
As he looked ahead to next weekend’s Hampden showdown with Falkirk Christie said: “You can feel the buzz in the town and see the community is coming together.
“It has been great to take the trophy out to schools and meet people.
“You get people stopping you in the street and wishing us luck. It’s great for the city. That has been new for me.
“I remember the first time I got recognised in town. A couple of kids chased after me. My face went a deep red! I didn’t know what to do. I am a bit more used to it now.
“I enjoy it. It’s nice to be stopped and having people chat to you and wish you well. Especially now we have the Cup Final to look forward to.
“I have lost count of how many times I have been stopped now. It’s good the city is recognising what we are doing.
“I can only imagine what it will be like if we win the Cup.
“Growing up in Inverness and supporting the club I realise more than most how big a chance this really is.
“This doesn’t happen every year for a club like Inverness. I know how much it means to the fans and hopefully we can go all the way now. It would be an incredible achievement.”
It has been a remarkable season in
RYAN CHRISTIE the Highlands even before the Cup is taken into account.
John Hughes has one of the smallest budgets in the top flight yet has steered his side to third spot and a guaranteed Europa League place.
But Christie admits the campaign will be classed as a disappointment if they don’t crown it with glory.
He said: “It has been a great season outside the Cup but if we don’t win it now some people might see it as a bit of a letdown.
“We are the favourites so we need to get our mindset right for a start. The training and tactics will all be based on the game and the worst thing we can do is underestimate Falkirk.
“They are here on merit – you don’t get to the Scottish Cup Final on luck. We are going to meet a good team and we need to turn up on the day.”
Inverness will wrap up their league campaign at Celtic Park on Sunday afternoon but Christie admits the Cup Final is dominating their thoughts.
He said: “Everyone focused on the Cup after the European place was settled. That’s all everyone is thinking about now. You find yourself thinking about it when you watch football on TV. Even watching the play-offs and seeing how delighted the fans are makes you realise we have a chance to give that kind of joy to our supporters.
“We have the opportunity to make history. We will never have a better chance than this.
“T h e re’s another chance against Celtic this weekend to get into the m a n a ge r ’s thoughts for the Cup Final.”
MIDWEEK men three times this season but lost in their last meeting.
Stubbs’s men recovered to win six of their last seven games and pip Gers to the runners-up spot.
Crucially that meant while Rangers faced a fraught 180-minute battle with Queens, Hibs players sunned tired limbs in Spain. They will be refreshed but will they hit the ground running?
I’m sure it will be tight and tense tonight and whatever happens the tie won’t be settled until the weekend.
To win Gers are 13-10 at McBookie but I’m eyeing up a draw at 13-5 (boylesports).
Under 2.5 goals looks a shout at 19-20 (McBookie) and as an edgy start is expected consider time of the first goal after 28 minutes at 19-20 (McBookie).
Haris Vuckic at 6-1 with McBookie and Ladbrokes is logical pick as a Rangers first scorer while for Hibs it’s Jason Cummings at 15-2.
SUPER SINGLE First goal after 28mins (19-20)