Inverness delay manager decision

Caretaker Charlie Christie has emerged as favourite, BBC Sport understands.

It is believed that former Plymouth boss Bobby Williamson and former Rangers striker Ally McCoist are Christie's main opponents for the job.

But it is also believed that McCoist is not interested in the post despite being approached by Caley Thistle.

McCoist presently has a coaching role with the Scotland national team.

Christie, who had initially voiced uncertainty about taking the job on a permanent basis because he already holds the post of lottery manager, has now indicated that he would like to be considered.

And Caley Thistle chairman David Sutherland said: "Charlie Christie is a very talented man and, whatever happens at Inverness Caledonian Thistle, he will be at the centre of developments."

The chairman refused to rule McCoist out of the equation.

"I've not met Ally McCoist, but who knows what might happen in the next couple of days," he said.

"Every name in football seems to have been linked with the job and I can maybe expect a call from Craig Levein following his departure from Leicester."

The Inverness board will now meet on Thursday instead of Wednesday but still expect to make an appointment before Sunday's Scottish Premier League meeting with Rangers.

It is understood that, should Christie be appointed, he would work with former Inverness assistant Donald Park as his number two.

Christie has led Caley Thistle to three wins in his three games while in temporary charge.

He said: "The response from the players has been huge. The feedback has been great, but there's still a bit more talking to do.

"I had a really positive conversation with Graeme Bennett on the way back from Falkirk on Saturday.

"That was good, to have two hours, one-to-one and I was impressed with the plans for the future of the club.

"I like to play the game a certain way and Donald shares that.

"Hopefully, we could work well together given the opportunity."

Inverness had said that they were considering Jim Duffy for the post, but the former Dundee boss said he would be "flabbergasted" if he was being considered.

Kenny McDowall was also approached about the vacancy, but Celtic manager Gordon Strachan denied that his youth coach had been interviewed.

Former Inverness boss John Robertson was not among those in contention.

Inverness were forced to seek a new manager when player-boss Craig Brewster was persuaded to return to Dundee United.