Ange Postecoglou discusses potential Ryan Christie return for Celtic vs St Mirren

By David Walton

August 19, 2021

The good news just keeps coming for Celtic as Ange Postecoglou hinted that Ryan Christie could return against St Mirren this weekend.

The Hoops have been without their early-season talisman over the last week. Christie has sat out games against Hearts and AZ Alkmaar respectively. However, it hasn’t affected the results with Celtic bagging two huge wins.

Postecoglou has managed to get other players such as Liel Abada and James Forrest fit and firing to give him options during Christie’s absence. And Celtic fans saw firsthand how powerful their attacking force is against AZ last night.

But even so, Christie has been missed. And the manager confirmed after last night’s huge win that he’ll be back in time for Saturday.

When asked specifically about Christie’s availability for St Mirren, Postecoglou told Celtic TV: “Yeah absolutely. It will be good to get Ryan back in just for some fresh legs. He provides that spark for us and that energy because we’re going to need it for sure.

“It’s another tough game with a short turnaround. The players are giving everything every game, there’s no doubt about that. We’ve just got to push through it.”

Celtic need as many players fit and ready as possible; Ange Postecoglou hopeful on Ryan Christie

Given the style of football Celtic are playing under Postecoglou, having as many players fit and firing as possible is essential.

The high-intensity, high-pressing football that Ange plays is draining. Both mentally and physically. The fact we’re achieving such big results with a small core group of players is all the more incredible.

Celtic fans will be hoping their manager is backed further before the August 31st transfer deadline. However, just as important is that players return from injury and aren’t sidelined for too long.

Especially a player in the form Christie was in pre-injury. Postecoglou will be determined to have him back available ahead of some big games against the likes of AZ Alkmaar and Rangers respectively.

Fingers crossed he’s in the side or at the very least part of the squad against St Mirren. That will be a key indicator that he’s ready to challenge the bigger tasks ahead.

And for Celtic fans, the good news just keeps on coming.

In other news, Ronny Deila shows his love for Celtic after visiting supporters club for AZ Alkmaar clash