Scotland fans are keen to see Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie start the country’s next match against Belgium on Monday.
Christie was not included as part of Steve Clarke’s starting eleven during Friday night’s defeat to Russia, although did make an appearance from the bench in the second half.
That omission was seen as controversial given Christie’s incredible Celtic form recently.
The attacking midfielder has scored eight goals and assisted five more this season already, from just 13 appearances (Transfermarkt).
No-one else is performing better in a Hoops shirt.
Given Scotland struggled to support central striker Oli McBurnie from midfield, Christie could have been the perfect option to link midfield and attack.
He’s an excellent out ball, able to retain possession and bring other teammates into the game around him.
Subscribe to 67 Hail Hail TV now
Pundits such as Michael Stewart have even suggested using him as that central striker option in a deep-lying role (The Scottish Sun).
Scotland’s Euro 2020 qualifying hopes now rest on a play-off and not their current group. That means the match against Belgium is the perfect chance for Clarke to show a bit more ambition with his selection and tactics.
(Photo by Erwin Spek/Soccrates/Getty Images)
The introduction of Christie could breathe life into this Scotland side. He should be one of the first names on the team sheet on current form.
Some fans are certainly eager to see him selected.
These supporters have taken to Twitter over the last 48 hours to share their thoughts…
I respect Steve Clarke for the great job he did at Killie, but his decision not to play one of the form players in Scotland so far this season, ie Ryan Christie beggars BELIEF#PLAYYOURBESTPLAYERS!!
— andrew dougherty (@docbhoy71) September 6, 2019
• Ryan Christie must play and not to start him was bizarre at best.
• Stephen O’Donnell is either a million miles from international level or terrified of pulling on a Scotland shirt.
• To only sell 32,000 tickets for our biggest qualifier on a Friday night is desperate.— Graham Tait (@grahamtait91) September 6, 2019
Ryan christie should be one of first names on teamsheet, how he wasn't starting is criminal
— R😎 (@_The_Ridler_) September 6, 2019
Ryan Christie has to start Vs Belgium. I want Clarke sacked on the spot if he doesn't.
— Euan 🏴 (@EuazoX2) September 6, 2019
Ryan Christie and Johnny Russell need to start v Belgium on monday, probably wont make any difference to the outcome but will offer than the likes of McBurnie thats for sure, O’Donnell should also be dropped! Guy is a decent enough SPFL player but not for international level!
— Del Sommerville (@Del1589) September 7, 2019
The midfield 3 for Belgium game needs to be Jack sitting, with Christie and Mcginn infront.
Forrest Russell Fraser up top.
Mclean, McGregor, mcginn, Christie, mctominay are all better forward players.. Jack will give something different in there 100%
— John Walker (@johnwalker_1986) September 7, 2019
Surely Christie has to he starting against Belgium… Very least we can look at if we want to keep taking steps forward
Also, bin McBurnie grab any random out the stands to fill in and we'll be in better shape
— Daniel Hughes (@LordDaniel__) September 7, 2019
Ryan Christie made a difference when he came on. I think he should start ahead of mcburnie in the Belgium game.
— Michael McCusker (@MickMcCusker) September 6, 2019