We may not have got the result that we wanted over the weekend, but that doesn’t mean that we haven’t had anything to celebrate. The international break may now be ongoing, but we’ve been given a parting gift as we head into the last break for the calendar year.
Celtic confirmed on Monday that defender Ryan Christie has signed a new deal at Parkhead, with the attacker now set to remain at the club for a further three years.
It’s a move that has made sense for a while, and it’s one that should leave Celtic fans feeling absolutely delighted.
After all, we don’t need to tell you just how good he has been this season. He previously lacked the quality and consistency to really be able to make a significant impact in green and white, but that’s all changed this term.
He’s gone away and worked out and bulked up, and he’s come back a completely different player.
Strong and agile, he’s now able to make an impact going forward more so than ever before. He doesn’t get pushed off the ball, and often, instead, it’s him doing the pushing. He’s so difficult to dispossess, and he’s become a crucial part of our attack.
With pace, technique, dribbling and goalscoring all in his locker, he’s already proven just how influential he can be for the Hoops this season. Not to mention, at just 23-years-old, can you imagine just how good he’s going to be over the next few years? If his development this season is anything to go by, here’s hoping that he’ll enjoy just as much quality growth over the next year.
It’s also good news more broadly, too. Christie has come on leaps and bounds, and the fact that the club have rewarded him with a new deal suggests that they think he’s ready to contribute to the club long-term. That’s a testament to the coaching quality at Celtic Park, and hopefully he’ll be another in a long line of incredibly talented young players to turn into legends at the club.
Whichever way you spin it, a few more years of Ryan can only be a good thing.