Rodgers raves about Ryan’s ‘sensational’ performance

Brendan Rodgers praised “sensational” substitute Ryan Christie after he inspired the Hoops to their 3-0 Betfred Cup semi-final win over Hearts at BT Murrayfield.

The 23-year-old took over from midfielder Olivier Ntcham at half-time and made his first impact in the 53rd minute when he was tripped inside the box by Gorgie midfielder Oliver Bozanic, with fellow substitute Scott Sinclair slamming in the penalty.

In a unique cup semi-final at the home of Scottish rugby, James Forrest capitalised on a mistake by Gorgie keeper Zdenek Zlamal after he failed to cope with a longrange Christie drive to fire in an easy second before the former Aberdeen loan player scored a wonderful third from outside the box to book a final appearance at Hampden Park on December 2. The Northern Irishman admitted Christie was “definitely a player we would love to keep” and sang his praises.

He said: “Ryan Christie was sensational. Playing in midfield as one of the eights, his intensity, his quality, his pressing – everything. Once we get the first goal – Craig Levein might think it was a bit soft but referee Willie Collum is in a great position to see it and the young player has no real argument with it – we were absolutely brilliant.”

Hearts boss Levein said: “It is a very soft penalty indeed. Bozanic’s foot isn’t even off the ground and Christie is just waiting on it but it has given Willie a decision to make.”