The Celtic manager sees the midfielder as someone who can support his strikers.
Christie has had a dynamite start to the season, scoring three goals and assisting twice in three appearances.
They may have come against weaker teams in UEFA Champions League qualifying, but his attitude and application has been right at the level that Celtic needed to start the season positively.
That bodes well for him in Lennon’s team, because the Hoops boss wants to utilise him more as an attacking midfielder, compared to where Brendan Rodgers and Derek McInnes have played him in the past.
As quoted by The Evening Times, Lennon explained: “A lot of the time Brendan or Derek [McInnes, the Aberdeen manager] would play him in a three in midfield.
“I like to see him a little bit more advanced in the 10. He can do attacking midfield no problem as well. There’s that string to his bow where he can play a number of positions. I obviously want him in attacking areas because I think he can open up defences. I think he’s got goals in him.”
Tom Rogic has traditionally played that role in Celtic’s biggest matches over the last few years but the Australian misses so many games because of international duty and injury problems that the Hoops really need someone to step up in his place.
Christie offers more energy and graft than Rogic, without really compromising on end product. He has an eye for goal and can make piercing runs beyond the defensive line.
There’s no doubt that Rogic is a special talent, with unique skill and vision, but Christie is a viable player to replace him when and if necessary.
Celtic’s lack of goals had been a problem for Lennon’s side towards the end of last season so the fact the manager wants to address that directly with Christie is a great sign for Hoops supporters who are looking for more of a cutting edge.
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