Christie says Dembele transfer is good for him

Ryan Christie is ready to muscle his way into the Celtic side following the departure of Moussa Dembele.

The 22-year-old French striker moved to Lyon for a reported £20 million on transfer deadline day and manager Brendan Rodgers was left with no replacement.

Christie, who spent 18 months on loan at Aberdeen, noted Dembele’s departure had opened the door for him, admitting “From a selfish point of view it is quite good for me.”

He also believes his time at Pittodrie has put him in a stronger position to stake a claim for a regular place than when he signed from Inverness in 2015.

Speaking at the SPFL Match Attax 18/19 Collection Launch at Hampden Park, Christie said: “When I first joined I was still young and when I went away to Aberdeen I was quite small in stature.

“It’s hard for me to notice it but since I’ve came back, people I’ve not seen in a whole year see a difference in me.

“It’s always good to hear that gym work is paying off. It only benefited my development going up there and it’s put me in a right good stead.

“I look back at photos when I first joined Celtic and I look like a wee boy in comparison to what I look like now.

“When I first joined Celtic I was 66.5 kilograms and now I’m about 73.5 so I’ve put on a right few kilogrammes which is good.

“We get our fat tested every day and I’ve managed to keep that down so hopefully it means that it’s muscle that I’m putting on.

“The sports scientists at Celtic, and even when I was away with Aberdeen, are always on me every other week to make sure I’m still doing my gym programme. It’s benefiting me massively.”

Meanwhile, Celtic assistant manager Chris Davies was “surprised” Rangers keeper Allan McGregor escaped punishment for his apparent kick out at Kristoffer Ajer in Sunday’s Old Firm clash at Parkhead.

Footage shows the 36-year-old Scotland keeper making contact with the defender during the first half of his side’s 1-0 defeat but he will not face any action from the Scottish Football Association.

“I am surprised,” said Davies, speaking at Lennoxtown where he was publicising the ‘A Match For Cancer’ charity game which takes place this weekend at Celtic Park.

“It was pretty clear if you saw the replays of it. We were surprised that it wasn’t sorted out afterwards.

“But at the same time it is done – there is no point us worrying about it, talking about it, or thinking about it too much.

“I am just pleased that our player wasn’t injured in the incident, that’s the only thing I am thinking about.”

Davies explained why 19-year-old attacker Daniel Arzani, who arrived at Parkhead from Manchester City on a two-year loan deal, has been left out of Europa League squad.

He said: “Daniel is still adapting to the environment here.

“But he has a two-year loan, he is a young player and we will support him to develop here.”

Ryan Christie said he would have more opportunities.