Ryan Christie insists he will be giving his all to kick on further as a player this season. The Scotland international was arguably Celtic’s most improved player under Brendan Rodgers last season before suffering a disappointing end to the season following injury.
The 24-year-old missed his side’s final six matches of the season after a sickening head clash with Aberdeen’s Dom Ball back in April. That, and an earlier knock in February, means that he has played just 150 competitive minutes under Neil Lennon to date.
Christie has bounced back and featured for the Hoops in Austria, and he hopes that’s just the start of another strong campaign.
He told the Scottish Sun: “You can’t ever rest on your laurels or look back on what you’ve done the season before.
“You’ve got to kick on — and that’s what I will be looking to do. I’m certainly not happy with where I am just now.
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“I want to improve on all my stats — such as my scoring record — from last season.
“I won’t be resting on that campaign, I want to make an even bigger impact this year.
Christie can kick on further this season
Christie’s hunger to keep improving must be music to the ears of Lennon and the Celtic support. The midfielder is perhaps a little too critical of his goal contribution though.
Christie still netted 11 goals despite not making his real breakthrough until October. He was one of only four Hoops players to make it to double figures despite only starting 27 matches. If he can improve on that form a get nearer to the 20 goal mark then he’ll be a real contender for Player of the Year.
Big things are expected of the former Inverness Caley Thistle man this season but Celtic fans must also remember that he is coming back from a couple of serious injuries. He, like many of the first teamers, will take time to get up and running – especially under new management.