James McFadden told Sky Sports during their live coverage of Scotland’s defeat to Israel that Celtic’s ‘quality’ forward Ryan Christie has taken ‘the talk’ away from Newcastle’s Ryan Fraser on the international stage.
The former midfielder has been impressed with the performances Celtic’s speedster put in for Scotland as they qualified for the delayed Euro 2020.
Whilst Steve Clarke’s side have since suffered two defeats in the UEFA Nations League after that penalty shoot-out win, not many of those in Scotland will be fussed because of where they will be next summer.
And McFadden thinks Christie, who scored against Serbia, has showcased what he is all about during this crucial period for his country.
“It was a good performance,” said McFadden. “Three games in six days is a big ask, but he showed that energy that he always has.
“But I think overall, Ryan Christie coming into these three games, the talk was about Ryan Fraser, before he was injured, being the guy to play beside Dykes but Christie has come in and almost made that position his own.
“His performance levels are always so high and you know you are going to get commitment and effort, but you are also going to get quality. He’s so intelligent and such a big part of how well we have done.”
It has been a long wait for Scotland but they will now be preparing for their first major tournament in 22 years.
The likes of Christie, Fraser, John McGinn, Andy Robertson and Kieran Tierney will be crucial in how their country performs against the best of the best.
Some of those players, such as Fraser, Robertson and McGinn, ply their trade in England’s top-flight and that will come in handy when they face their old enemy in June at Wembley.
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