THE very fact that Celtic put Ryan Christie up to speak to the media today ahead of the Europa League match against RB Leipzig tomorrow evening, tells its own story. Christie, a few short weeks ago, was a bit part player in the Celtic squad and would not have had the first team prominence to justify him being selected for media duties today.
But after a number of impressive performances he is now a first choice starter and is set to sign a contract extension to remain at the club for next three and a half years. It’s been a remarkable ten-around for a player who has had to show tremendous patience and belief in his own ability to make the break-though at Celtic.
“The last week has helped me, in terms of having an impact and scoring a few goals,” Christie said.
“I feel like I’m part of this squad and can have a big impact on this team between now and the end of the season.
“With the contract talks, the manager was brilliant as always. He let me know he sees a future for me here at the club. We’ll hopefully have that sorted very soon, as it’s nice to get these things tied down sooner rather than later.”
With the contract talks progressing positively the more immediate concern for the former Inverness Caley man, is the Europa League encounter with RB Leipzig tomorrow night.
“It’s a huge game, we know that. The boys in the squad know that. We’re desperate to get a win at home and want to have a right go at getting out of this group.
“It’s going to be tough. It was tough out there, but we had a lot of positives to take from that game and we’re looking to take that into tomorrow night. We started the game over there well but didn’t really capitalise on that.
“Once we conceded over there, we let the game slip away from us, but it’s about having that confidence, and we’re always confident at home in Europe. They’re coming to our patch now.”
Christie came on as a substitute in Leipzig but it was in the next game, the Betfred Cup semi-final against Hearts at Murrayfield. The 23 year old came as a half-time replacement for Olivier NTcham, who had a tight hamstring, and the rest as they say is history.
“Chipping in with goals is something I’ve been looking to do since the start of the season. I need to keep that run going, and it would be very nice to do that tomorrow night. It’ll be a different game, but the games we’ve had and the goals we’ve scored gives us confidence going into it.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to come in and retain my place. We’ve got goals from everywhere right now. That’s always good to have – instead of relying on one or two. Hopefully that continues tomorrow night as well.”
How do you think the game will go tomorrow night? We’d love to hear your thoughts on the game and scoreline predictions? After the up-turn in Celtic form the goals are flying in and hopefully we can transfer this domestic form over to the three remaining matches in the Europa League. Head over to the new fans form Celtic Noise and tell us your thoughts on how Celtic v RB Leipzig will pan out.
If you fancy writing for The Celtic Star, on any Celtic related subject, we’d love to hear from you. Get started by emailing editor@thecelticstar.co.uk and we’ll get right back to you.
Also on The Celtic Star today…
Celtic v RB Leipzig: ‘We’ll need to be at highest level to get a result,’ Rodgers…See HERE.
‘It was like big Roy Aitken had killed the guy and they were putting a sheet over him,’ Dougie McGuire…See HERE.
Celtic v RB Leipzig: ‘The fans and the amazing atmosphere,’ Celtic star on why we’re stronger at home…See HERE.
Celtic v RB Leipzig: Thursday Night Fever, ‘a beautiful atmosphere,’ says Kampl…See HERE.
Teddy Bears are Terrified! “The fear of Ten won’t go away,” admits Weir…See HERE.
Celtic v RB Leipzig: ‘It’s got to be Perfect’, Hartson tells Celtic…See HERE.
Celtic v RB Leipzig: ‘A weird feeling watching on the telly’, Forrest’s glad to be back…See HERE.
Jim Craig – Celtic faced one of the founder members of the Scottish League, Abercorn FC…See HERE.
