Faddy full of praise for Ry’s reaction
JAMES McFadden believes Ryan Christie is more than capable of helping Scotland deliver knockout blows to Albania and Israel in their forthcoming Nations League matches.
Christie appears to have, after three difficult years and three different loan spells, finally established himself at Parkhead in recent weeks.
He was outstanding in the Betfred Cup semi-final triumph over Hearts at Murrayfield last month and set up the winner in the Europa League triumph over RB Leipzig of Germany last week.
The 23-year-old was rewarded for his lively displays with a new three-year contract yesterday.
There is stiff competition for a place in midfield in the national team. Stuart Armstrong, James Forrest, Ryan Fraser, Gary Mackay-Steven, John McGinn, Callum McGregor and Callum Paterson are all vying for starts.
Scotland coach McFadden, though, appreciates what a naturally-gifted talent can bring to the side.
“He’s made the most of it and fair play to him,” said McFadden. “We had him in early squads because we knew how good a player he was and he’s finally got his chance at Celtic. He’s waited a long time for it, but he’s taken it.
“I said after the semi-final that he looked like the Ryan Christie who played for Aberdeen, and by that I meant he looked comfortable, he looked as if he deserved to be there and I think that was great to see.
“He was coming off the bench before and maybe not having the impact he did against Hearts. He played well in the European game in midweek before it [against Leipzig away] as well.”