Celtic’s Ryan Christie might have made just five appearances in the Scottish Premiership so far this season, but latest comments from Brendan Rodgers shows that he rates the 23-year-old highly. Christie is currently in the last year of his contract, and there were rumours that the talented winger could leave the club in the summer. However, it is unlikely now as Rodgers claimed that the club is in talks with the player’s representatives for extending Christie’s stay at Park Head.
Rodgers was quoted as saying,”He’s someone that of course, we would look to commit to. The club have been talking to his representatives but I’m not aware of any movement. I tend to focus on working with the players. My focus is on making them better as players, giving them a future here to be involved and be a part of.”
“Hopefully then the other stuff can sort itself out. He is definitely a player that we would love to keep. He is a fantastic player. You saw his contribution today. You saw it Aberdeen when he was there. It was step-by-step but now is 23. He is at a really good age to come in and have the personality to play at a big club. He did well against Leipzig so he can make a valuable contribution to this team.”
Christie was one of the star performers in the League Cup semi-final where the Hoops went past Hearts and it would be foolish of the club to let this talented player get away for free next summer. Injury issue to other players in the squad came as a boon for this Scottish international as he grabbed his opportunity with both hands and showcased what he is capable of against Hearts of Midlothian.
The winger has been at Celtic since 2015 but is still looking to establish himself in the first eleven and we believe the ongoing season is going to be a crucial one if he wants to have a future with the Glaswegian giants.
The 23-year-old might have performed well but he needs to produce this quality week in week out if he wants to establish himself in the first eleven. James Forrest usually starts down the right in the attacking half of the pitch and therefore Christie is only likely to get an opportunity when Forrest is out injured or suspended.
Sunderland was one of the clubs who were interested in him in the summer and a move to England might excite this winger cum midfielder so it remains to be seen whether he would be willing to fight for his place here or move out of the club in the future. At this point, it looks like the former as Rodgers confirmed that the club is already in talks regarding a contract.
