ROBBO TIPS RYAN TO HIT EURO SUMMIT
JOHN ROBERTSON suspects Celtic attacker Ryan Christie’s future may lie with one of Europe’s leading clubs.
The Scotland hero’s roots are in Inverness – where dad Charl i e prospered – with boyhood years spent rising through the Highlanders’ academy.
Robertson knows just what an inspiration the 25-year-old’s rise has been to the club and its next generation of young talent.
But he is sure Christie’s story is far from over after the latest chapter in the Euro play- off triumph against Serbia last week.
His current Celtic deal runs to the end of next season, with some recent speculation that he has been dragging his heels on signing an extension.
Robbo said: “Everyone here was delighted Ryan had such a huge part to play in Scotland qualifying.
“Football-wise, he’s just blossoming week by week. For Ryan, it is a case of what’s next?
“I’m sure he’ ll have thoughts as to whether he’s going to stay and continue to improve and win trophies. Or, does he have his eyes set on the next challenge?
“Is the next challenge England and the Premier
League? Or, speaking to Charlie in general terms, I know Ryan is very keen at some stage in his career to play abroad.
“He has the world at his feet. He can stay where he is or move to England and set himself a new challenge.
“But there’s something in the back of Ryan’s mind that he likes the look of the continental game, the European style of play.
“I’m sure if that is his intended route, he won’t be struggling for suitors.”
Key to Christie’s new heights, Rober tson reckons, has been his ability to work for – and grasp – every opportunity.
He said: “We’ve got great pride in Ryan here at Caley Thistle. He came right up through the ranks. He got himself to the fringes, he was given an opportunity and he took it.
“He moved to Celtic, where a lot of people thought he wasn’t ready. He was put out on loan to Aberdeen and again he grabbed the opportunity.
“Celtic decided he was ready and, again, he’s become one of their most pivotal players.
“And it went exactly the same way with Scotland.”