Republic of Ireland full-back Cyrus Christie admits that he faces a tough task to force his way into the starting XI at Euro 2016 but insists that he is ready to play a part if called upon to do so.
The Derby County defender (23) is behind international mainstay Seamus Coleman (27) in the pecking order and while Christie is eager to push Coleman for a spot in Martin O’Neill’s team, he is aware that he may have to bide his time.
Speaking to RTÉ Sport, Christie said: “I’m here as an understudy to Seamus Coleman and I’ll be pushing him all the way as I keep learning from him.
“Seamus is a fantastic player and probably one of the best players we’ve got here. As you can see he’s been doing it for many years now and there’s a reason why he’s been touted to all the big clubs.
“I know Seamus quite well and we’re always talking, always getting on. We play a lot of pool together so we’re always talking and going over the position and stuff like that, so it’s great for me to learn from a player of his calibre.
"I’m comfortable to play on the right wing if that’s where the boss needs me to play."
“To dislodge Seamus from the starting XI is a hard task but I’m here to improve, I’m here to learn and it’s a fantastic opportunity to play alongside such fantastic players.“
With Jonathan Walters currently on the sidelines with an Achilles injury, Christie could come into the reckoning to replace the Stoke man on the right side of midfield, something he insists he would be eager to do.
“I’m comfortable to play on the right wing if that’s where the boss needs me to play,” he said.
“You’ve seen over the years a lot of right wingers are going to right-back and there’s not too much real difference between the two positions. Obviously when you’re a right-back you have to do a bit more defending.
“I’d feel more than comfortable playing [in midfield] and I can go past players, I wouldn’t say for fun, but it is my strong point.
“If it’s a one-v-one situation I'm more than capable of going past players and I think I’ve show that in the games I’ve played and throughout my career.
“If I do get the nod to play there I’m more than happy to play there and I’ll put in 110% like I have done every time I’ve put the jersey on for my country. “
With Ireland’s opening game against Sweden just days away now, Christie believes that the squad are in good shape and that the facilities and support the squad have received have been top-notch.
A row over training facilities in Saipan famously hampered Ireland’s campaign at the 2002 World Cup, but this time around everything appears to be tailored to helping the players fulfil their potential.
“If you ask any of the lads, they’re all raring to go. We’re going to keep working hard in training in the build-up to the Sweden game and I think we’re going to put on a show,” Christie said.
“The hotel is brilliant and the training facilities are top quality as well, so we’re in a good position here now.
“We’ve had a little look at [Sweden] over the course of the week, we’ve got all the stuff we need on them and we’ll keep watching them and keep learning and see where we can exploit their weaknesses.
“As long as we’re ready and we bring our A game, there’s no reason we can’t come out with all three points.”
RTÉ's live coverage of Euro 2016 begins with France v Romania on Friday (kick-off 8pm). Watch live on RTÉ One, listen live on Radio 1 and follow our live blog on RTE.ie
