Callum McGregor claims Rodgers likes Ryan Christie amid contract uncertainty

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Ryan Christie is fighting for a new Celtic contract this season.

Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor has told the Daily Record that he thinks Ryan Christie has all the technical ability to be a star for the Bhoys – and believes manager Brendan Rodgers likes him.

Celtic are chasing another Scottish Premiership title this season, but were dealt a blow on deadline day last month when star striker Moussa Dembele returned to France by signing for Lyon.

The Bhoys must now give opportunities to other players, and playmaker Ryan Christie may just be one player to benefit given his versatility.

Capable of playing wide, as a number 10 or even as a false nine, Christie could play a bigger role this term – and it’s a very important season for the Scot.

Christie, a 2015 signing from Inverness Caledonian Thistle, is out of contract at the end of the season, and he was strongly linked with a move away over the summer.

Now, Christie has a chance to prove himself to manager Rodgers, and show that he is worth a new contract having spent the last season and a half out on loan at Aberdeen.

Fellow Celtic midfielder Callum McGregor has now told the Daily Record that he feels Christie has great technical ability and has all the skill in the world to become a Celtic star.

McGregor, who has risen up himself under Rodgers, added that the thinks the Celtic boss likes Christie, and he can now grasp his opportunity in the Celtic attack with Dembele gone.

“Ryan has fantastic ability and you’ve seen the tremendous impact he has made when he has come off the bench in our last couple of games,” said McGregor. “The manager likes him as well. Technically, he is at the top level and Moussa’s departure has created a big opportunity for him. Ryan has all the skill in the world, he’s a good kid and works really hard at training every single day. I don’t see any reason why he can’t do well for us.”

“It’s sometimes just about being patient, waiting for your chance and then taking it. Our squad has been really strong in the last few years and Ryan was probably just outside that. Whenever he did train or play with us he was still at a really high level. He was just unfortunate that guys like Moussa were doing so well but, with the big man gone, I’m sure he’ll take full advantage of that now,” he added.