The Hoops ace impressed in the Champions League qualifier but the Parkhead boss outlined a flaw in his game.
Celtic manager Neil Lennon has issued Ryan Christie with some constructive criticism following the midfielder’s impressive display in the 3-1 win at FK Sarajevo in their Champions League qualifier (Glasgow Evening Times).
The 24-year-old impressed for the visitors on Tuesday in his first competitive game since suffering a facial injury in April as they established a healthy first-leg lead in their first-round qualifier ahead of the return leg at Parkhead next week.
Mirko Oremus put the hosts ahead before Mikey Johnston, Odsonne Edouard and Scott Sinclair struck to put Celtic in pole position, and Christie looked sharp throughout, posing a constant threat and getting plenty of the ball in attacking areas.
Despite Christie’s impressive display, Lennon nonetheless pointed out that there were flaws in his performance, claiming he is “probably too unselfish” at times and singling out a moment in the game in which he tried to set up Sinclair instead of having a go himself.
“Callum McGregor was outstanding again and he linked everything together,” Lennon is quoted by the Glasgow Evening Times as saying. “We also had Ryan Christie finding pockets of space, so I was really pleased with him.
“He’s a great player and I said to him after the game that he should have scored. There was one when he tried to flick a pass to Scott Sinclair instead of shooting. At times, he’s probably too unselfish but he was full of it and played well.”
The second leg takes place next Wednesday’s at Celtic Park, should they emerge from that, the Hoops will face either North Macedonian champions Shkendija or Estonian counterparts Nomme Kalju, the former winning 1-0 in the away leg of their tie (BBC Sport).
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