I can be next Ryan Christie
But sealing ICT slot is Cam’s first goal
CAMERON HARPER would love to emulate Ryan Christie by taking the High road to a big English move.
But the talented left-back insists he has to earn the right to play for Inverness first.
Caley Thistle reaped the benefit of Christie’s switch from Celtic to Bournemouth earlier this week, with a tidy six-figure sum banked due to a sell-on clause.
Other Inverness youth products such as Dan Mackay and Liam Polworth, now at Hibs and Kilmarnock, have used the club as a springboard to top-flight football.
But Harper’s stunning impact under previous boss John Robertson has proven no guarantee of favour under Billy Dodds.
Harper, expected to start today as Dodds and coach
Barry Wilson ring the changes, has seen Robbie Deas get the nod at left-back for all four league games so far.
Asked if Christie’s move to England and Mackay’s summer Hibees switch served as motivation, the 19-year-old said: “It’s good to see because they are boys from this area doing well.
“It’s definitely a bit of an inspiration to see you can do it. Maybe it’s something to aspire to later on in my career.
“I’m just wanting to get back playing again. Robbie Deas has come in at left-back and done really well. The team have started brilliantly in the league but hopefully there will be a few changes on Saturday and I’ll be able to get some minutes.
“I have not played in a wee while so I’ve got to take every opportunity to make an impression on the gaffer.
“It’s definitely a chance for me and some of the other lads who have not played as much.
“Robbie and I can push each other. He’s more of a centre half predominantly but has been doing really well at left-back.
“There’s a good vibe, there’s not any bad blood. We all want to the team to be doing well.
“I don’t think I have to prove anything to the manager. I just need to show myself again and hopefully get back into the team. With four wins and four clean sheets, you can’t really say much. I’m not feeling bitter about it at all as it’s been one of the best starts we’ve had.
“It’s healthy competition which is pushing us to be the best we can.”
Inverness faced Buckie in last season’s Scottish Cup and needed a late goal from Mackay to seal a 3-2 win.
Harper said: “I came on in that match. They ended up scoring late and then Dan scored right at the death.
“We are the bigger team but will give them all the respect they are due. They were a tough test last time so it will be the same for this game.”