Celtic star Ryan Christie is backing John Hughes for the Hibs job

Ryan Christie has backed John Hughes for the vacant manager’s job at Hibs.

Hughes, 55, is believed to be under consideration for the role after the Hibees sacked Paul Heckingbottom last Monday.

Hughes had a spell at Easter Road back in 2009/10, but his greatest success in his 15 years in coaching and management came during his three years at Inverness Caley Thistle, when he guided them to the 2015 Scottish Cup.

He also took the Highlanders into European football and to a League Cup Final.

Christie played under Hughes at Inverness, and his former manager was instrumental in him getting his £500,000 move to Celtic in 2015.

The Parkhead star said: “I have worked under John Hughes, and I know about his strengths. For me, he is a perfect fit for Hibs.

“Hibs are a massive football club, and John knows all about them.

“He knows what they should be achieving, and he knows the brand of football the supporters want. He can deliver it all.

“When he took over at Inverness from Terry Butcher, he wanted to change the way we played.

“He wanted to go from route one to playing a passing game.

“After a few weeks at the club, he got me involved in the first team.

“I was just a kid, but he threw me into the League Cup Final against Aberdeen at Parkhead.

“He trusted his players and trusted his methods.

“John managed to change the style of football and the players’ mindset.

“He delivered success. That was done without making wholesale changes or banging on the chairman’s door to demand lots of money to bring in lots of players.

“When I think back, we had the likes of Gary Warren – a no-nonsense defender who just headed and kicked the ball.

“After a few months, John had him playing out from the back and setting up moves.

“That shows what a super coach John is.

“He is also good with the lads and keeps a happy atmosphere. He has a great balance of being able to coach and also have the players onside.

“His sessions were never boring, and he knew the right time to join in with the lads for a laugh.

“He was great for my career. He gave me my chance and believed in me. He also made me believe in myself.

“He encouraged me to express myself in every game, and would pull me in during the week for conversations.

“He took time to give me direction and improve my game. He would only be upset with me when I didn’t try to pass and play.

“I will always be grateful to John, and I’m sure the Inverness players from that time would say the same.

“For our wee club to win the Scottish Cup and play in Europe was amazing. Those were brilliant achievements.

“John deserves to be in the game. It would be great for him, and for Hibs, if his next opportunity was to be at Easter Road.”