Celtic playmaker Ryan Christie made a huge impact against Hearts.
Celtic manager Brendan Rodgers has told the Daily Mail that he immediately had concerns about Ryan Christie when he took the Bhoys job.
Celtic and Ronny Deila snapped up playmaker Christie from Inverness Caledonian Thistle in August 2015, before sending him back to Caley on loan.
Christie was highly regarded in Scottish football but was struggling for playing time under Rodgers following his 2016 appointment, and he ended up spending 18 months out on loan with Aberdeen.
After hitting 15 goals in 58 games for the Dons, Christie returned to Celtic this past summer, and was charged with the task of fighting for his future, given that his contract expires at the end of the season.
Christie has so far been in and out of the Celtic side this season, but had his greatest afternoon as a Bhoys player yet on Sunday, playing a key part in the 3-0 Betfred Cup semi-final win over Hearts.
Christie won a penalty, had his shot fumbled to James Forrest for Celtic’s second and then scored the third with an outstanding finish, playing a part in each of the Bhoys’ three goals.
Christie now looks set to play a major part for Celtic and is well on his way to earning a new deal, but Rodgers has now revealed that he had immediate doubts about the playmaker upon his arrival at Parkhead.
Rodgers has admitted that Christie was too lightweight for him at first, but he has now bulked up and has gained experience with Aberdeen, and at 23, he is now ready to play a key role under Rodgers having completely changed since the Celtic manager’s arrival.
“It was a big step for Ryan at the weekend,” said Rodgers. “When I came in, I had a boy of 64 kilos, who played as a striker against Motherwell, and I felt: “Okay, here’s a talent, but is he going to play regularly for me?” I didn’t think he was, but he wasn’t 17 or 18. He was 20, 21, so what would benefit him when it comes to thinking medium and longer term? He would benefit from playing games and feeling the pressure week-in, week-out, because coming from Inverness to Celtic is a big jump.”
“I felt that with Ryan and his body type he needed that. We were lucky to send him to a club where he would be under pressure, but still get regular game time. I had a conversation with Derek (McInnes) and that’s what we looked at. Ryan went away and had 18 months playing. He played well and still had to develop and grow, but at least he was feeling pressure. Within that period, with the programme we had given him, he went from 64 kilos to 74. That was ten kilos of muscle there, but he can carry that.”
“That helps you with your physicality in the game, it helps him to press the game, it increases his running strength and his power as well as his football ability. But what he probably needed was a big moment in an important game. He’s had those at Aberdeen as well in big games – but Sunday can be a real spark for his confidence. Now you see a boy at 23 who I feel is ready now to really participate. Now it’s about him and what he does on the pitch,” he added.
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