Ryan Christie has been impressive out on loan, so perhaps he can still enjoy a bright Celtic future.
When Ryan Christie left Celtic for a second loan spell in the summer, he would have been forgiven for feeling that it may prove to be his final chance to prove that he can become a success at Parkhead.
The 23-year-old was signed during Ronny Deila’s tenure, but has managed just 13 appearances for the Hoops in all competitions. He may have felt heading into last summer, that he had possibly proven a point to Brendan Rodgers with his first spell at Pittodrie.
The midfielder scored six goals in 13 Scottish Premiership games for the Dons. Nevertheless, he found himself back out on loan again this season, with Rodgers adding further to his options in the middle of the park during the summer.
While the path to the first-team looks as congested as when he left for a second time, it is perhaps fair to suggest that Christie has done enough during his time away from the club to earn another chance to prove himself for the Bhoys.
He has scored three times in the league, while only one of his teammates has contributed more assists than the four that he has provided this season.
It seems unlikely that Christie will automatically be a first-choice off the back of his spell with Aberdeen, but he has undoubtedly shown some real glimpses of potential over the last year, and that should be enough for Rodgers to put him at the top of the list when he considers which of the players currently out on loan has done enough for another chance.
The fact that The Scottish Sun recently reported that he is set to be offered a new deal with Celtic certainly suggests that Rodgers is optimistic about his future.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
