Inverness Caley Thistle coach Barry Wilson backs Cameron Harper to emulate success of Scotland, Bournemouth and former Celtic star Ryan Christie if he continues to develop
Barry Wilson is convinced Cammy Harper can achieve whatever he wants in the game if he can add more aggression and physicality – just like Ryan Christie did.
The Caley Thistle first team coach worked closely with last weekend’s match-winner in the under-18s and has huge belief in his natural ability.
Harper’s fine performance in an attacking left-sided role at Dens Park brought two goals and a penalty assist. Wilson, an accomplished winger in his own playing days, feels Scotland international Christie’s work on his own physique could point the way for the 20-year-old full-back.
“In the last couple of weeks, Cammy has been outstanding. He deserves all the plaudits he gets,” Wilson stressed. “His work rate was phenomenal against Raith.
“There was the quality he brings with that sweet left foot and there was his desire to win the penalty. I’m delighted for him. He had a tough last season.
“His versatility could become key in his career. He’s a clever footballer who uses his brain first and foremost.
“He’s getting stronger and works hard in the gym – you can definitely see that – and that will enable him to go and play those different positions.
“I’m not saying he is definitely going to become an out-and-out winger, he could be a sitting midfielder, an attacking midfielder off the left, or a full back. He can be what he wants to be – he has so much natural ability.
“We’ve also been at him to stop being so nice! He is a lovely kid, but there is that extra bit of grit and aggression he could add. The future is bright for him.”
Christie’s natural ability flourished under John Hughes at Inverness before great success at Celtic and a Scotland breakthrough.
Now at Bournemouth, it was arguably Christie’s growth in physique that cemented his rise.
“When Ryan came through the ranks, you could see it developing for him,” Wilson recalled. “He got to Celtic through pretty much pure ability. Once there, you could see him getting stronger and he took the next step up with Scotland and then down to England.
“It is a big factor nowadays, strength and physicality. Talent is not enough, you need to have talent and be quick or strong. Cammy’s beginning to look that way.”
Caley Jags’ boss Billy Dodds’ plans to shuffle the side for tomorrow’s Challenge Cup home test against Brechin City.
“We’ll definitely look to freshen things up, it gets those boys up to speed for league duty,” Wilson said.
“Brechin are Highland League leaders after a really good start and they have a couple of our former players as well, so it is going to be interesting. Hopefully we’ll have enough and, if the attitude is right, we can hopefully take care of the tie.”