RYAN CHRISTIE is determined to continue his Caley Thistle love affair for now - even in the face of strong interest from English football.
The level-headed Scotland under 21s talent feels staying in the Highlands for another season would allow him to best develop the considerable potential he has shown in Scotland's Premiership this season.
Even manager John Hughes has predicted the son of club legend Charlie will be playing in England's top flight before too long.
But 20 year old Christie, now shortlisted for the PFA Young Player of the Year award, said the flurry of scouts now watching him in every match haven't swayed thoughts on his future.
Christie said: "It's nice of him [Hughes] to say that and it's obviously a great compliment to me.
"But right now I'm staying in Inverness, I was born in Inverness and right now I have a good base of people around me.
"I'm learning my trade in football and there's no better place to do it than in Inverness and under John Hughes.
"My mind's on Inverness just now, this season and next season. I've still got plenty of learning to do in the Scottish Premiership."
Hughes admitted a string of English Premiership clubs have had their eye on Christie, and the youngster stressed: "It definitely boosts my confidence but I try and put it to the back of my mind.
"Some people ask if it has added pressure but I don't really think of that side of things.
"If I can go on and achieve what Ryan Gauld has then I'll be more than happy but right now I'm concentrating on Inverness."
Christie added that Hughes has had a huge influence over his first full season as a professional player.
He added: "He's been brilliant to me. He's worked with me individually on certain aspects of my game and made sure, physically, I've been improving as well.
"The confidence he has in me is something I can pride myself on. It's not just me, he's able to drop younger players in at the deep end and that's really brave of him. I owe him a lot."
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