CHRISTIE IS ARGUABLY THE BEST PLAYER IN SCOTTISH GAME
WITH six goals in his last four games, Ryan Christie has started the new season with a bang. He’s playing like a man possessed. His hat-trick against St Johnstone on Saturday showcased some brilliant finishing, but it’s not just all about the goals with him. He’s such an intelligent player. He always looks to take the ball on the half-turn and has such great vision and awareness of what’s around him. Those are the key qualities and attributes you need to have if you want to become a top-class midfielder. Over the past year, Christie (left) is the most improved player in the country. On current form, he’s arguably the best player in all of Scottish football. There is no doubt that his performances now demand that he is one of the first — if not first — name on Neil Lennon’s team-sheet. Not bad for someone who, not all that long ago, seemed like he didn’t have much of a future at the club and would be heading for the exit. I’m chuffed to bits for him because his dad, Charlie, came up to me at Lennoxtown when Ryan signed for Celtic in 2015 — and asked me if I’d look out for him. He saw similarities in us in terms of us both being left-footed attacking midfielders. I could tell Ryan was a really genuine, decent lad. There was a humility to it all. Charlie was just trying to look after his son, who was about to make the big move from Inverness to Glasgow. If Ryan’s rise to prominence has given Celtic a huge shot in the arm, the same could also apply tenfold for Scotland. The national team have been crying out for a player who can offer a bit of spark and creativity from midfield. If Christie continues his red-hot form, Steve Clarke will have a hell of a player on his hands when the double-header against Russia and Belgium rolls around next month.