Commanding Celtic giving rivals the ‘fear’

We’re ready to punish opponents, says Christie after Dundee demolition

Ryan Christie hopes Celtic’s 5-0 demolition of Dundee at Dens Park on Wednesday night will strike “a fear” into opposing sides.

The Hoops were in rampant form against the Ladbrokes Premiership’s bottom club and took the lead in the 19th minute with a goal from Australia midfielder Tom Rogic, who was playing his 150th game for the champions.

Scott Sinclair scored from the spot with further goals from fellow winger James Forrest and striker Odsonne Edouard before the interval as Brendan Rodgers’ side turned on the style.

Christie scored the fifth just three minutes after the break when he raced on to an Edouard pass to finish with confidence to take Celtic’s goal tally to 18 in their last four domestic games.

“It’s a great ball by Odsonne, and to be fair, I was happy when he got his goal, he deserved it,” the former Inverness attacker said.

“His link-up play was really good, and with a ball like that, all I had to do was put it past the keeper. I’m happy to score again but, more importantly, the result was emphatic.

“I think the confidence we’re showing going forward, everyone can see that now.

“Hopefully that gives other teams a fear when coming up against us that we can really punish them.

“We just need to keep concentrating, keep our heads down and keep that momentum going.

“There’s been a few injuries recently, which I think has made everyone aware of how ready they need to be.

“There are so many games coming up between now and Christmas, which means there’s going to be a lot of rotation, so everyone needs to be ready, and it’s about making things happen when we get our chance on the park.”

Celtic easily beat Hearts 3-0 in the Betfred Cup semi-final at Murrayfield on Sunday and Christie is looking for a repeat in the league tomorrow.

He said: “Off the back of the Hearts game last weekend, we’re delighted with that result.

“In the first half, we really did our work and it’s really pleasing to go in at half-time with such a commanding lead.

“We just need to keep going, and we can concentrate on Saturday now and hopefully get another result.”

I think the confidence we’re showing going forward, everyone can see that now. RYAN CHRISTIE