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Former Celtic hero Jackie McNamara has stated Ryan Christie is doing well after being ‘held back’ by injury, he told Football Insider.

What’s he said?

Christie missed 15 games for his club last season through a variety of injuries, but the midfielder has already come back with a bang. The 24-year-old was arguably the man of the match in the second leg of the FK Sarajevo tie on Wednesday after a goal and assist in the 2-1 win.

The former Inverness man suffered from three unrelated injuries last year in a frustrating season. Christie did establish himself in the 38 games he played for Celtic yet faces tough competition under Neil Lennon this term.

Tom Rogic and Mikey Johnston are two capable of playing his preferred number 10 role, yet Christie looks to be nailing it down after an impressive start.

McNamara knows that Christie is making the most of his opportunity after a difficult year, telling Football Insider: “He had to be patient, he had a couple of injuries which held him back a little bit. He had the bad one in the semi-final against Aberdeen, it was a really bad one at the time.

“He’s taken the opportunity and done well. Good for him to grab his goal, he’s had two strong performances. I think just now he’s trying to stake a claim.”

Christie’s time to shine

The industrious talent should hopefully put his injury troubles behind him this season as he aims to become a guaranteed starter under Lennon. Rogic’s uncertain future and Johnston’s performances out wide might just give the 24-year-old the perfect chance to impress this season.

Christie’s strike on Wednesday shows he can step up in important moments and there’s going to be a lot of those as Lennon aims to defend the treble the club won last season.

Christie now has an opening at Celtic - it’s just up to him to grab it and become a Celtic star just like McNamara.