It did seem like Ryan Christie would be one of these signings who showed some promise but wouldn’t get a fair chance to show what they could do in the first team.
The loan spell to Aberdeen did feel a bit like it was merely putting him in the shop window, but it actually gave him the chance to grow and develop into the player he currently is.
It must be tough for Tom Rogic, he will feel that injuries have prevented him from truly nailing down that number 10 spot in the Celtic team. He’s usually excellent when he plays, but Christie has been so good that he’s just un-dropable right now.
READ MORE: Further blow for Celtic ace as injury prevents opportunity to shine vs Aberdeen
Those views have been echoed by Chris Sutton in his Daily Record column. He’s full of praise for both Rogic and Christie, but does seem to worry over how the Australian will get back into the side.
He said: “Christie is the full package and I can pay him no bigger compliment than saying there seems absolutely no way back for Tom Rogic in terms of that No.10 position.”
He went on to say: “I can’t believe I’m saying that because I’m a huge fan of the Australian. He is also full of craft and gets you goals but he plays a pace gears below Christie. Celtic are better with the latter’s pace and drive.”
He does go on to point out that Rogic should play tomorrow with Christie being suspended, but it seems he expects Christie to be restored to the starting line up once he’s available again.
It’s an interesting battle between the two for the position, Christie is maybe a bit more versatile but moving him wider does take away from what he can offer through the middle of the pitch. Both players do feel like attacking options – it’s hard to see either being dependable from a deeper position.
Clearly Sutton feels the position is Christie’s to lose right now, it will be intriguing to see what the gaffer does if Rogic lights it up against Aberdeen on Sunday…
