Christie delighted to rise to the challenge

RYAN CHRISTIE believes that Celtic have shown they are a big European side again, rising to manager Neil Lennon’s challenge to make a mark on the continent.

Celtic clinched top spot in their qualification group with a comfortable 3-1 win over Rennes last night, with Christie among the scorers.

With the momentum of nine wins in all competitions now at their back, Christie says that the Scottish champions fear no one at home or abroad.

“I think we believe we can get a run in the competition now,” Christie said. “It’s what you have to aspire to.

“Right at the start of the season the gaffer talked about how he felt we’d a point to prove in Europe – to become a really big European side again.

“We’ve got the belief now. The group has been amazing so we couldn’t be higher in confidence on the European stage now to go on a right good run.

“We’re delighted with the achievement. The aim coming into the game was to get the win and hope that would secure us at the top of the group.

“Obviously we’d already qualified but we really wanted to put the icing on the cake by getting first place. When the draw was made, you look at teams like Rennes and Lazio, who are very good European sides. To be in the position we are now, I don’t think you could ask for much more of what we’ve done.

“To have a 100-per-cent home record and the highest tally in a European group is a great achievement. We’re delighted with how it’s gone.”

Christie was delighted for team-mate Lewis Morgan, who started up front in place of the absent Odsonne Edouard and hit a stunning opener with a fine side-foot finish at the end of a flowing move.

“It couldn’t have gone better for him,” he said. “It was amazing. I can’t probably throw enough compliments at him. The boys are absolutely delighted for him.

“Everybody sees how hard he trains, he keeps his head down and keeps working hard.”

Graeme McGarry