The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Delight for Huntly as McRitchie staying put
● Caley Thistle agree central defender can stay for the season
Huntly have been given a timely boost with the news that Caley Thistle have extended centre half Ryan McRitchie’s loan deal until the end of the season.
The 19-year-old, son of former Caley and Forres Mechanics goalkeeper Mark McRitchie, has impressed since making his Huntly debut last March and he’s gone on to make 27 appearances for the Christie Park club.
Speaking after completing the deal, Huntly manager Martin Skinner confirmed that it is indeed a huge boost.
He said: “We’re delighted to have Ryan for the rest of the season.
“He’s playing well and has come on to a good bit of form lately and anyone who has watched him since the end of last season knows what he’s capable of.
“Caley Thistle had indicated there were other clubs interested on taking him on-loan but credit to Ryan for committing himself to us as that’s good for all parties.”
“He is playing well and has come on to a bit of form”
Skinner went on to praise the part McRitchie has played in Huntly climbing into the top half of the Highland League table.
He added: “Last season we weren’t sure where we were going with central defenders.
“Glenn Murison filled in for a spell then we brought in Darren Wood.
“But Michael Clark and Ryan are starting to find their feet and are playing well together.
“They’re winning personal battles together, the defence is quite settled so it’s all positive for us.”
With the Inverness club loaning out a number of players to Highland League sides this season, Skinner is pleased to see Ryan and other youngsters benefiting from playing regular football.
He said: “The key point when Ryan came here was for us to help him progress to hopefully a full-time contract.
“He wants to be here play games.
“We want him to help us to improve. We’ll always look to help a player looking to advance his career.” to