Ryan Christie pens two-year deal with Inverness

INVERNESS midfielder Ryan Christie has signed a new two-year contract.

Ryan Christie, right, will extend his stay at Inverness after signing a two-year deal. Picture: SNS

The 19-year-old, who is the son of former Caley Thistle player and manager Charlie Christie, has scored three goals in 17 first-team appearances.

The club have the option to extend the deal by a further 12 months

Manager John Hughes, who handed Christie his debut in December, said: “I’m delighted that Ryan is staying to build on the rapid progress he has made here in the past six months.

“I liked the look of him in the early training sessions and, when given his opportunity, the lad took full advantage. He finished the season on a high and as a local lad who has come through the club’s youth development system, it’s good to have him in my plans for the future.”

Christie added: “I’ve really enjoyed the past six months. The senior players have been a great encouragement to me since I got my chance.

“It’s nice to go off on holiday with the new contract signed and sealed. I’m grateful to John Hughes for having faith in me and it’s nice to reward him with the couple of goals in the closing matches.

“I really like the style of football we are playing and it sits well with the way we have been brought up, keeping the ball down and playing football.”