CELTIC legend Davie Hay is tipping the rejuvenated Ryan Christie to get the nod to start against Hearts at Parkhead tomorrow – even if Olivier Ntcham has recovered from injury.
The former Hoops manager and player has been massively impressed by the midfielder’s performances and goals against Hearts on Sunday and Dundee in midweek.
Christie replaced the limping Ntcham for the second-half of the Betfred League Cup semi-final at Murrayfield and helped swing the tie in favour of Brendan Rodgers’ trophy holders as they raced to a 3-0 triumph..
He was in at the kick-off at Dens Park and continued the form with another scintillating display, capped by the fifth goal shortly after the turnaround.
Hay said: “Footballers will always get an opportunity to play. It’s then entirely up to them to grasp it with both hands.
“Ryan Christie, thrown on for the injured Olivier Ntcham at Murrayfield, has made the most and then some of an unexpected opportunity.
“He was brilliant against Hearts and then followed that up with a terrific performance at Dundee where he scored a superb goal.”
The club ambassador added: “Christie is bright and energetic. I’ve a feeling he will start against Hearts and will deserve so, in my opinion.
“He is never going to be the biggest, but has bulked up. You can see he is a lot stronger and his 18 months at Aberdeen did him a power of good
“Christie is a bit different to the rest. He makes good runs into the box, such as at Dens Park, and also has a shot on him. He has a real chance.”
