HIGH HOOPS
CALLUM MCGREGOR insists the Parkhead stage is now set for Ryan Christie prove his worth to Celtic.
Christie has made six appearances for the Hoops this season after spending the last 18 months on loan with Aberdeen.
Earlier this month he revealed how he hoped the departure of Moussa Dembele to Lyon for £20million would open the door for him to stake his claim for regular first-team football.
The 23-year-old attacking midfielder is in the final year of his Parkhead contract and Scotland star Mcgregor believes his clubmate is ready to step up.
Mcgregor (below), 25, said: “Ryan has fantastic ability and you’ve seen the tremendous impact he has made when he has come off the bench in our last couple of games. The manager likes him as well.
“Technically, he is at the top level and Moussa’s departure has created a big opportunity for him.
“Ryan has all the skill in the world, he’s a good kid and works really hard at training every day.
“I don’t see any reason why he can’t do well for us. It’s sometimes just about being patient, waiting for your chance and then taking it.
“Our squad has been really strong in the last few years and Ryan was probably just outside that.
“He was just unfortunate that guys like Moussa were doing so well but, with the big man gone,
I’m sure he’ll take full advantage.”
After a sluggish 0-0 draw against St
Mirren in
Paisley on Friday night, the double Treble winners will need to quickly bounce back on Thursday night at Celtic Park as the focus turns to the Europa League.
The Hoops kick off their group-stage campaign with a home tie against Norwegian champs Rosenborg. Mcgregor (left) said: “We know Trondheim really well now!
“The fact we’ve eliminated them twice in the last two seasons gives us an advantage psychologically.
“We know we can beat Rosenborg so it’s up to us to turn up with the right attitude on the night he added..
“The first game being at home is another bonus for us. If we can take the three points then it’ll help us push on as we look to get out of the group.”