Celtic returned to form in midweek by reminding supporters of their credentials.
Neil Lennon’s side battered Kilmarnock 4-0 but there was one disappointing aspect.
On the chalkboard
Ryan Christie had a vibrant opening 15 minutes against Killie but beyond that, his impact on the game was minimal. As has been the case in his last seven matches, he failed to provide a goal or register a single assist.
It has been a torrid time for the winger who since being linked with the likes of Arsenal and Leeds, has desperately dropped off in terms of his performances.
He has netted just once in his previous 19 outings and even Lennon is beginning to grow tired of his abject displays.
He started on the bench against both Hamilton and St Mirren but returned to the starting line-up on Tuesday night.
Though, Christie was poor once more and was described as “non-existent” by Frank McAvennie in the following days.
It’s hard to argue with that point either. He completed just a solitary key pass which in a 4-0 rout, is pretty underwhelming. The Scotland international failed to attempt a single dribble and completed only 77% of his passes.
McAvennie added: “He is such an amazing player but if somebody touches him he falls down. Just take a tackle, stay on your feet. It is not going to damage you.”
If anything summed up Christie, it would be that assessment.
On his day, he has a wand of a left foot. His goal in the Scottish Cup final can testify for that. Though, when he’s poor, there is little helping him. Christie’s form has dropped off meteorically and when the Bhoys play Motherwell on Saturday, he must be back on the bench.
The man to prosper from the £8k-per-week winger’s omission could be Mo Elyounoussi. The Norwegian was among the subs in midweek but simply has to come back into the fray.
After all, he is Celtic’s second top scorer this term on 13 goals. Elyounoussi has fewer assists than Christie but the latter has only created one goal for his teammates in his last ten appearances.
Lennon certainly has his favourites at Parkhead and Christie is one of them. However, if he wants to stay in the job, he must get ruthless with his team selection.