NEW KID ON the block Cyrus Christie says he’s prepared should he be called upon to make his international debut against Scotland on Friday.
The 22 year-old right-back who joined Derby from Coventry in the summer, was called into the Irish setup for the first time as back-up to Seamus Coleman and though it’s unlikely he’ll feature in the forthcoming Euro 2016 qualifier unless in exceptional circumstances, Christie did admit Martin O’Neill has spoken to him about a possible appearance in next week’s friendly against the USA in Dublin.
I’ve been playing well at Derby so I feel ready and fit. If he wants to call on me to play, I’ll be ready. He has mentioned that, maybe I’ll feature in the USA game so I’ll be ready for that as well.”
Since his switch to Pride Park, Christie has impressed, with Derby racing to the top of the Championship table. But, he first heard of potential interest from the Irish camp last year.
“It started when I was at Coventry – someone got in touch with me through one of the coaches and I said I’d like to play for Ireland. This season I’ve been playing well and the manager’s been at most of the games. They got in touch with me at the start of the first international break, saying that he’d like to get me on board and it’s gone from there ever since and he’s been keeping in touch and letting me know what the plans are. He tried to get me on board for the last one (international) but it didn’t quite happen because I didn’t get the documents through in time but I’m just happy to be here now.”
Speaking after Ireland training earlier today, Christie, who qualifies for Ireland through his Clontarf-born grandmother, mentioned how he had been approached by his native country but that the opportunity of more game-time with Ireland as well as the personal touch of the team’s manager ensured it was a pretty straight-forward decision to make.
The England U21s were in touch as well but for me the Republic of Ireland was the better option. They’ve not got many right-backs here so that was the main thing but the manager getting in touch with me – that’s always a pleasing aspect. There are more opportunities and they’ve got a good team here and the manager getting in touch with me – that was more of a selling point as well.”
With midfielder David Meyler admirably deputising for Seamus Coleman in the most recent qualifier against Germany, the Irish squad has needed strengthening at full-back and Christie feels he will only get better by being around the Everton man and absorbing all he can.
“I’ve seen Seamus Coleman numerous times. He’s a terrific player – it’s tough competition but I think I can learn a lot from him. He was in the Team of the Year last year and I think he’s been one of the best full-backs in the Premier League for the last few years. It’ll be good to be alongside him and learn from him. It’s pleasing to see that there’s not too many people ahead of me – that you’re going to be given an opportunity. I think that’s what’s good about playing for Ireland.”
Friday’s fixture does throw up an interesting subplot – a smattering of Derby players between both teams. Scotland have three: Craig Forsyth, Chris Martin and Johnny Russell while Christie is joined in the Irish squad by Richard Keogh and Jeff Hendrick. And he feels the latter, who has started the season brilliantly for the Rams, is most-deserving of the recent praise.
“Since I’ve been there (at Derby) he’s been outstanding. Unfortunately he got injured and did his shoulder while he was playing well but he’s come back and he’s been on fire. He scored two at the weekend and he’s a fantastic player to play alongside and he gives you something different in the centre of the park.”
Christie also revealed that he’s been told all about the initiation process, where an Irish player has to get up and sing in front of his new team-mates. Unaffected, he’s already got his tune lined up.
“I’m going to have to have a think about it but I’ve got one in my head already. I’m going to go for the one I did at Derby – probably R.Kelly’s ‘Ignition’.”
As he gears up for his international debut, it’s an apt choice.
