Celtic need look no further than Ryan Christie for new No. 10, according to Jim Duffy

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With Celtic looking to strengthen in attacking midfield, Duffy highlights that they already own the man for the job

Former Celtic, Morton and Dundee star Jim Duffy believes that the man the Bhoys are looking for is already on their roster.

Speaking via his column in the Scottish Sun, Duffy suggested that current loanee Ryan Christie has proven his worth while on loan at Aberdeen, and is worthy of a place in Brendan Rodgers’ squad.

Christie, 22, has enjoyed a terrific season with Aberdeen this term and is arguably the club’s standout player. The youngster netted a double on the weekend taking his tally for the season to seven; the equal highest number of goals he has ever scored in a single season.

With Celtic in search of a player to fill the void left by the injured Tom Rogic, Duffy hinted it would be foolish to spend money on bringing in another European youngster when they already have the man for the job on their payroll.

“For me, the Celtic boss has the answer to his problem right under his nose — and it won’t cost him a penny,” Duffy wrote.

“Ryan Christie is already on the payroll at Celtic Park and surely his recent performances on loan at Aberdeen prove he has what it takes to fill that position.

“Over the last few years Aberdeen have been the second best team in Scotland. It isn’t like Ryan is impressing playing for a lower division side. He is playing well at the very top level in Scotland.

“He is dealing with the high expectations of winning games for Aberdeen. Some people might say that it isn’t the level of Celtic; I understand that, but he is playing against the best the Premiership has to offer.”

Duffy indicated that he believes Christie has doubled in value since his emergence as a star at Aberdeen, and that Celtic should save themselves the money on a new signing who would likely cost more than the loanee but with less proven experience.

With his consistent performances for Aberdeen, Duffy added that he has no doubt that Christie is a “terrific player who could step into the [No10] role next season [for Brendan Rodgers].”

Only time will tell if the youngster gets that chance at Celtic Park…