IT says much of the legacy of the late Tommy Burns that both managers involved in today’s live televised Dingwall clash would list the Celtic legend as a career-changing influence.
Brendan Rodgers, the Celtic manager, has spoken often of how Burns set him on the road to top-level management after drafting him in as Reading’s callow youth coach.
Opposite number Jim McIntyre, likewise, rates his stint playing under his “biggest” career mentor at the Madejski Stadium as life-changing, given the way it set him on the path to coaching and management.
But while the two occupants of the technical areas might owe Burns a mighty debt of gratitude, one of the players performing in front of them today shares the same lasting appreciation.
Michael Gardyne has clocked up 377 first-team appearances since a youthful parting of the ways with Celtic a decade ago. Frequently, though, when he steps out on to the field of play, the striker finds words of advice and guidance from Burns, his Parkhead youth coach, still echoing in his ears even after all these years.
“Tommy was massive at Celtic, for me and for everyone else who passed through that set-up,” Gardyne said. “Everyone talks of just what a character he was, and he was that as well, but just from the coaching side, he was brilliant.
“He knew so much about the game and just loved helping young boys come through. I remember him stopping training games – the bits young lads don’t like – telling you where you should be on the pitch in relation to the ball; wee things like that stay with you.
“Just look at some of the great players he coached early in their careers and where they are now. It was incredible.”
Gardyne has always had a mischievous streak, particularly in those carefree times at Celtic, but it was a character trait that, from time-to-time, infuriated Burns – mainly because he was acutely aware of the talent and potential in the Dundonian’s feet.
The Ross County attacker has matured greatly over the years, though, bringing a level of consistency to his play and longevity that, at 31, has made him both County’s all-time record appearances holder and top club scorer in the modern era. Much of it he credits to his mentor, Burns.
“It was a great upbringing. I played there from the age of 12 to 21 and that’s where I learned the game, under great coaches like Tommy,” Gardyne said. “It has obviously stood me in good stead for the rest of my career. I’ve done all right from it. I learned a lot there and, since I left, I’ve learned from new managers as well. But I think Tommy Burns was my main influence while I was coming through the ranks. It didn’t matter what age group you were in, he was always there – always conveying sound advice, the kind that stays with you.
“Willie McStay and Kenny McDowall were brilliant as well. I suppose it was good we were similar types of player, myself and Tommy – although he was probably a wee bit better than me. But it was a fantastic time, with Jim McInally at under 16 level as well.
“Every day, you were learning the game, playing alongside great players. Some of the guys I came through with are still playing and went on to bigger things as well.
“It just shows you how good the coaching was there and how well you were taught the game at Celtic.”
Rodgers and his team will be well aware Gardyne, deployed in one of the wide roles, represents one of County’s main threats today.
Gardyne starred in two of County’s three all-time victories over the Glasgow giants – the Scottish Cup semi-final win of April 2010 and last year’s return to Hampden for the League Cup last four triumph.
There is a keen appetite for more. Celtic, in Dingwall, is just the kind of occasion he relishes.
“In the last two games, we wanted to get six points but to get four was decent,” Gardyne said. “It gives us a bit of confidence going into the Celtic game.
“Celtic have kind of steamrollered the league this season, beating everybody, but we’ve got a little bit of confidence about us and have trained well this week. We’ve worked hard to make sure we’re ready for them.
“Celtic are flying but it is 11 versus 11. In past games, we’ve threatened them and almost gone ahead, a case of what might have been. But we just need to make sure we’re set up properly and organised. We’ll take it from there.
“We can’t afford inconsistency at this stage in the season. The other fixtures are a wee bit against us this weekend – Dundee against Hamilton, Motherwell against Caley Thistle – so obviously if they pick up points and we don’t it puts a bit more pressure on us going into the last five games.
“But we’re just concentrating on this game at the moment and the bottom six matches will take care of themselves.
“These are the games you want to be involved in – against Celtic, the champions, live on television in Dingwall.
“I’m sure it will be a full house. We’ll be buzzing.”
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