Neil Lennon all but rules Ryan Christie out of Dundee vs Celtic clash

By David Walton

March 14, 2019

Celtic interim manager Neil Lennon has all but ruled out Ryan Christie from playing against Dundee.

The attacker has been out for the last couple of weeks with a hamstring injury. Despite that, he’s apparently closing in on a return once again.

When he does, he’ll likely join the likes of Callum McGregor and Tom Rogic, who are also close to returns respectively. McGregor has been called up to the Scotland national squad.

Ryan Christie has missed the last three games through injury (Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

But Christie hasn’t been so fortunate. And Lennon, speaking to the Celtic View (Volume 54, Issue 33, page 7) touched on Christie remaining sidelined for the internationals.

“Which players of ours go on international duty depends how fit they are. They will go and get assessed anyway.

“Some of the players returning from injury might actually need a game which will be good for both us and the country.

“Hopefully, Callum McGregor will train this week and that will be a big boost for us. I doubt Ryan Christie will be ready but Callum hopefully will be.”

Does McGregor play a part on Sunday?

Celtic were far too pedestrian in their work against Aberdeen. Lennon even admitted to this after the game, as the Hoops struggled to break down the Dons.

Therefore, it will be extremely interesting to see if Lennon throws McGregor back into the mix on Sunday. He injects some life and energy into Celtic going forward. Then again, given Dundee’s physicality and McGregor’s immediate return, it may be best to avoid.

Could Callum McGregor make a big return soon? (Mark Runnacles/Getty Images)

But it looks as though Christie is going to have to use the international break to get himself back fit. He’s another one Celtic have been missing. Both Christie and McGregor have racked up 91 appearances between the two of them this season. They’re both vital to the Hoops’ style of play.

For now, however, it looks as though we’re going to have to go with Nir Bitton and Scott Brown in the midfield once again. They should have enough as a duo to get the best of Dundee, but Celtic’s play will likely be slow on Sunday once again.

The sooner Christie and McGregor get back fit, the better.