Lenny gives Christie the Number 10 Job at Celtic

RYAN CHRISTIE reckons he will benefit from having Neil Lennon as the Celtic manager. The increased emphasis on attacking football and a clarity in the role the new boss expects from the former Inverness Caley midfielder excites Christie who returned from a 3 month lay-off through injury in the to star in the 3-1 away win against Sarajevo in the first qualifying round of the Champions League.

“The position I played against Sarajevo, the Number 10, I love it. The gaffer says he sees me in there, that’s music to my ears. He wants me to deal with that pressure.

“The gaffer is brilliant for all the attacking players in the squad, especially for me.

“He wants us to play attacking football. I love playing in that position. He’s big on getting the ball to me, Odsonne Edouard and the two wingers. It suits me down to the ground.

“The target is to kick on. I want to stay in the team week in, week out. I need to put in big performances, score goals and create goals,” Christie told the media, as reported by Scottish Sun.

The game in Sarajevo was Christie’s first appearance since suffering that horrible facial injury against Aberdeen in the Scottish Cup semi-final in April at Hampden. The lay-off has been frustrating for a player who was having his best spell at a Celtic player after forcing his way into the side with his performance in the League Cup semi-final against Hearts at Murrayfield the previous October.

“It was amazing to get back on the pitch. It’s been a long time and it has been frustrating with injuries. Touch wood I’m back in for the long run now and can really kick on.

“Since I came back for pre-season I was desperate to get going again. When I found out I was starting against Sarajevo I was absolutely buzzing.

“We’re delighted to get a win but I’m frustrated I couldn’t get a goal. I had a few shots but didn’t really catch them.

“There are definitely positives though. In the second half especially the legs took over and they tired a lot. We’re happy, but you can’t say the tie is over. We’re confident going to Celtic Park.”

About Author

The Celtic Star founder and editor, who has edited numerous Celtic books over the past decade or so including several from Lisbon Lions, Willie Wallace, Tommy Gemmell and Jim Craig. Earliest Celtic memories include a win over East Fife at Celtic Park and the 4-1 League Cup loss to Partick Thistle as a 6 year old. Best game? Easy 4-2, 1979 when Ten Men Won the League. Email editor@thecelticstar.co.uk

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