Caley Thistle forward Miles Storey believes Inverness must savour Ryan Christie’s talents while they can.
Christie, who is on loan from Celtic until January, was instrumental in Inverness’ 2-1 victory against Premiership leaders Aberdeen on Saturday, providing the assist for Storey’s early opener before netting a stunning second goal with a 30-yard strike.
It was the Dons’ first league defeat of the season, with Derek McInnes’ side, who pulled a goal back through Ashton Taylor’s first-half header, having travelled to the Highlands on the back of an eight-match winning streak.
Storey felt Christie was the catalyst for Caley Jags’ victory and feels his side must make the most of the 20-year-old’s contributions while he is still with Inverness, with the midfielder set to return to Parkhead in January having signed a four-year deal with the Hoops.
Storey said: “Even in training, probably half my goals he sets up. He gets a half-turn between the defenders and midfielders where no one can pick him up and threads little balls through.
“That’s why he got his move to Celtic. It’s brilliant how he played and I felt sorry for him at the end getting sent off.
“He took that one for the team and otherwise maybe they’d have scored. It just shows his mentality, his determination to get the points. Every single one of the boys is playing for each other.
“Fair play to him. He’ll be a huge loss. he’s a supporters’ favourite and it is going to be hard to replace that kind of player. He’s very technical and finds little gaps others can’t find.
“He’s not greedy. As soon as he saw me pull away the first thing on his mind was to pass it. The second time, I was in the area but he banged it from 30 yards. He’s quality.”
Storey’s opening goal was his third strike in four games since his loan move from English League 1 outfit Swindon Town in the summer.
The 21-year-old feels he is reaping the benefits of his move to Scotland and added: “I’m enjoying it. I’m enjoying going into Saturday knowing full well I’m going to be involved, whether starting or on the bench.
“I still think I have a way to go in fitness. It’s a physical league and towards the end I was getting tired.
“To come here and be involved and start games is just as good for me as getting the goals.
“I’m looking forward to it continuing.”
