Celtic’s top-scorer Ryan Christie has stated that manager Neil Lennon wants him to be on the penalties from now on.
Christie has banged home 10 goals this season. His ninth came from the penalty spot as Celtic secured a fine 1-1 draw in Rennes to kick off their Europa League campaign. It was also his third successful spot-kick out of three this season.
And it looks as though the impressive attacking-midfielder has secured the role of being our penalty-taker permanently. Odsonne Edouard ended the season with a fine penalty against Hearts in the Scottish Cup final, but Lennon appears to fancy Christie over him.
Speaking in the Celtic View this week (Volume 55, Issue 12, Page 15), Christie confirmed that Lennon told him he wanted him hitting the penalties from the start of the season.
“The gaffer said from the start of the season that he wants me hitting the penalties. I was delighted when he said that. It was a decision he made from the first game and I’m really happy to have that opportunity because it’ll let me add more goals to my game.
“We practice them in training and Stevie Woods is always helping us. He does different things to put the pressure on us and there’s always bets, so it’s good fun and the work has been paying off.
“I always have confidence in myself to step up and take the penalties, so long may it continue.”
Celtic now have multiple choice from the spot
So Christie is indeed the designated penalty taker these days. It’s good to know, but it’s interesting to see that Edouard has been taken off of them. He didn’t fail to impress from the spot last season either.
Edouard managed to score his two penalties last term with confidence. However, Celtic had five different takers in season 2018/19, with Olivier Ntcham and Scott Sinclair missing two each.
Now, however, it looks as though we finally have some confident takers in Christie and Edouard. Christie has now netted his four penalties in total for the Hoops. It’s clear he’s thriving from hitting them.
His two other goals from the spot this season came at Fir Park in the 5-2 rout against Motherwell, and the 5-0 mauling of Nomme Kalju at Celtic Park respectively.
These days, it’s just great to be able to feel confident about who’s stepping up to take the pens. It’s been a while since we’ve had a couple of talented takers.
It’s just another positive for Lennon this season so far. And, once again, it looks like our manager has made a fantastic decision.
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