CHRISTIE ON A MISSION

CELTIC playmaker Ryan Christie will be out to prove a point tonight – if he gets the nod to face Belgium at Hampden.

The classy midfielder replaced Hoops team-mate James Forrest just after the hour mark as Scotland toiled against Russia in the crucial Euro 2020 encounter on Friday night.

One of Christie’s first action after coming off the bench was to fire in a crisp 18-yarder which was held by the keeper as Steve Clarke’s side tried in vain to reverse the 2-1 scoreline.

It was a night of massive disappointment for the Scots as they almost certainly blew any chance of qualifying for next summer’s finals from Group !.

John McGinn thumped the side into a 10th-minute lead and then the visitors turned the game around to eventually win with an unfortunate own goal from Stephen O’Donnell.

Christie, speaking to the Evening Times, said: “It was frustrating not to come on and get onto the scoresheet as that was my aim. I wanted to get us back in the game.

“The game was opening up towards the end and I managed to find a bit of space. I wanted to get closer to Oli McBurnie and help him out. I think towards the end of the game we showed we were as good as Russia, but by then the damage had been done.

“The manager said to me when I came on to try and make something happen. I felt we came back into the game for the last 10 minutes and we really pushed Russia.

“If we had got an equaliser early on then maybe we would have had a chance. We showed glimpses of good stuff, but at international level you need to play very well for 90 minutes.

“I’ve no idea if I’ve played myself into contention. I’d be delighted if I play. I’m delighted every time I play for Scotland, so we will have to wait and see.

“But I think we’ve got a lot of talent throughout the squad, so everyone will be champing at the bit to get in and prove a point.”