HAT-TRICK hero Ryan Christie has been called “a greedy get” by Neil Lennon after the midfielder’s goalscoring exploits in the 7-0 hammering of St Johnstone in the Premiership opener at Parkhead yesterday.
The Celtic boss made the joking reference after the midfielder was substituted with almost 20 minutes still to play.
Lennon hailed 24-year-old Christie’s three-goal salvo, but replaced him with Oliver Ntcham as he plotted ahead to Wednesday’s Champions League first leg third round qualier against Cluj in Romania.
The Hoops gaffer, speaking to the Sunday Mail, said: “Ryan is playing exceptionally well.
“His first and third goals were sublime finishes and we’re hoping we see more of that as the season goes on, allied to all the other attributes he has.
“He has unquestionably established himself now in this team.
“He was unhappy with me in Europe when I took him off after he got two goals.
“So, I left him on for the hat-trick today then subbed him. He was still unhappy because he wanted four. He’s a greedy get!
“But he’s in a good place, he’s a great boy and so easy to work with. He just wants to impress and please people.
“I’ve inherited a great player there.”
Lennon’s substitution of the Scotland international turned out to be inspired with Ntcham scoring with his first touch of the ball after being set up by fellow-Frenchman Odsonne Edouard.
And the former Manchester City midfielder also contributed to Leigh Griffiths’ excellent strike for No.7 late in the game – the comeback Bhoy’s first league goal since a trademark free-kick effort in a 3-0 win at Hamilton Accies on November 24.
