Ross County’s Ross Draper has admitted his delight when he found out that Ryan Christie would be suspended for his side’s visit to Celtic Park this weekend. Draper, 30, was teammates with Christie whilst at Inverness Caledonian Thistle under John Hughes and together they lifted the 2015 Scottish Cup, having knocked Celtic out in the controversial semi-final at Hampden.
As reported in the Press & Journal, Draper is adamant that Christie being ruled out is a plus for the Highlanders, who sit fifth in the league table after eight games.
“When I switched on the Celtic game against Livingston I was wondering who had been sent off and wouldn’t play against us. He was the first one I looked for – I’m not going to lie, I was quite happy it was him. He is a player I obviously know well, but he has improved so much since I have played with him.
“A couple of loan spells have done him good, he has gone back in there and he has been the top man for Celtic and Scotland. He looks fitter, physically stronger.
“He’s a really good player, so him being suspended is a plus for us – although they have got a squad that can hurt you.”
Christie, 24, has been in astonishing form this season with 11 goals and 5 assists in 19 games; however, his sending off could allow for either Tom Rogic or Olivier Ntcham to stake their claim for a place in the starting XI as the Scottish midfielder watches from the stands.
The Aussie was back in his homeland to get married; however, he will be raring to go now he has a chance to stretch his legs against the Dingwall outfit. Whilst the French U21 midfielder will hope that Neil Lennon starts him as he hopes to win a starting berth for himself.
