BRENDAN RODGERS praised Ryan Christie after the midfielder put in his finest 45 minute shift in a Celtic shirt this afternoon to announce himself at long last as a bona fide Celtic star.
The Celtic manager had plenty to be pleased about as his side comprehensively swept aside league leaders Hearts o Murrayfield earlier today.
“I thought the first half was a little bit broken with both teams having injuries in the game,” the Irishman said.
“The magnitude of games like this can make things a bit tentative so we said at half time we need to free ourselves a bit more and pass the ball that bit quicker.
“Once we got the first goal we were absolutely brilliant. We created lots of chances and their keeper made some great saves as well. We worked the ball and space really well.
“The purpose for us today was to get to another final. We knew it was going to be tough because Hearts have started the season very well. But we know when we bring our game and the level of our game we can be a threat for any team. The second half we were outstanding.
“Once we get the players back it’s about getting the squad together and having those options. Today and against Hibs and St Johnstone you could see the dynamic and fluent we were in the game. There’s still a lot for work for us to do.”
“Ryan Christie had a sensational individual performance playing in midfield as a number eight where he showed intensity, pressing and quality.
“It’s a process with Ryan. When I first came in I felt he was a player who could be in and around the squad. He played some games but I felt for him to give his best to Celtic and work with the pressures of playing for a big club he had to out and feel that pressure on a weekly basis. He went out and played under a really good manager at Aberdeen.
“You need a personality to play for the big clubs and be ready to play in big games. Since he’s come back he’s shown that. You see his impact today. He’s come into the game and affected it by scoring a goal and being involved in two others. It’s all part of the development for him and it was great to see.”
