Ryan Christie’s hat-trick yesterday stole the show in the 7-0 rout of St Johnstone and completed what was a perfect day for him.
And, after apparently not being happy at coming off in Europe two weeks ago, there didn’t seem to be any complaints from Christie as he was hauled off against Saints.
Christie netted a brace against Nomme Kalju two weeks ago at Celtic Park in another stunning individual display. But Lennon has revealed that being hooked saw him provide a rather huffy reaction. Such is the perfectionist in Christie, he’s always looking to continue impressing supporters.
And Lennon, whilst praising his attacking star after another faultless display, also labeled him a “greedy get” Speaking in the Daily Record, this is what Lennon had to say.
“He’s unquestionably established himself now in this team. He was unhappy with me in Europe when I took him off after he got two goals. So I left him on for the hat-trick today then subbed him. He was still unhappy because he wanted four. He’s a greedy get!
“But he’s in a good place, he’s a great boy and so easy to work with. He just wants to impress and please people. I’ve inherited a great player there.”
Ryan Christie’s hat-trick cements his place as first-choice number 10
So looking at the state of play now, it’s one helluva task for Tom Rogic to displace Christie when he returns. The Aussie is still continuing his rehab, but the challenge for him now looks daunting.
Christie has already had a breakout few weeks at Parkhead. The former Inverness star is taking a lot more responsibility on his shoulders. Five goals in his last two Celtic Park matches has certainly helped him become a favourite with fans these days.
This could be his best season yet in a Celtic jersey. He’s been consistently impressive since returning to the fold this term. In addition to that, meanwhile, he’s managed to become an even bigger goal threat than last season.
It’s now a huge danger to leave Christie with any form of space between 25 and 30 yards out. Saints did it three times yesterday and they were punished in brutal fashion. He’s now in a position where most things he hits with that left-peg go into the back of the net.
His strive for more is exactly the kind of attitude we need spread around the team too. A player who never feels satisfied with what he has and always want to give supporters more. At the moment, he’s just the perfect kind of player and performer that we need in the number 10 position.
The gauntlet has very much now been thrown down to Rogic. Breaking into this Celtic team is going to be the hardest it ever has been for the Aussie. And if Christie continues to excite the way he has done in the first few weeks of the season, just how does anyone take his place?
Receive a digest of our best Celtic content each week direct to your mailbox
