There was an inevitability about Stuart Armstrong leaving Celtic in the summer. After signing a short-term contract last year, it was clear he was looking for a career away from Glasgow, eventually moving to English Premier League side Southampton.
The main problem with that was the club’s inability to sign a direct replacement in midfield for the Scotland international. His direct running, finishing ability and composure really gave the side a cutting edge.
In recent matches though, a contender has stepped up to try and fill that void – Ryan Christie.
After his starring role against Hearts in the League Cup semi-final last week and a goal against Dundee at Dens on Wednesday, he followed that up with a similarly impressive showing on Saturday, again against Craig Levein’s side.
He’s taking the chances that Brendan Rodgers has handed to him and looks like a potential long-term solution to the gap that Armstrong left.
Fans were overjoyed with his display today and couldn’t help but make a comparison to the Southampton star…
Ryan Christie > Stuart Armstrong 🤷🏻♂️🍀💚⚽️
— Ewan (@ewancorky) November 3, 2018
first time i’ve seen christie in 8 position like a faster more mobile armstrong. #ryanchristie he #scoresbelters but pity about the hair
— Paddy (@trickapro) November 3, 2018
One of the best part of today was our high intensity pressing , all over the pitch, that is what we lacked early in the season, so pleased wee Christie has taken his chance, I knew there was a Celtic player in him, he is actually filling the void that Armstrong leaving caused
— Steven mcginley (@stevenmcgin) November 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/JoshMurray10/status/1058771487363096576
https://twitter.com/RealChrisMurphy/status/1058766446040412161
I was saying the same thing to my mates, Christie is the Player to replace Armstrong.
Pace -Power-Goals. its all there and he is a young player. https://t.co/Lh2pWdRMx1— Peter (@18peter88) November 3, 2018
https://twitter.com/Jimkingofkings/status/1058798720811196416
Talk about taking your chance when it comes, Ryan Christie deserves every bit of praise coming his way 🍀 WE ARE BACK AND THEY ARE TERRIFIED https://t.co/4lktwfXYmj
— Junior Carmichael🍀 (@JCARMICHAEL67) November 3, 2018
Does Ryan Christie have the quality to replace Stuart Armstrong’s previous Celtic contribution? Share your thoughts in the comments below…