Ryan Christie did his bit for Celtic’s title challenge with a domineering display in Inverness Caley Thistle’s 2-1 win over Aberdeen on Saturday.
The Scotland u21 internationalist has still to kick a ball for Celtic but a goal and an assist for John Hughes’ side trimmed the gap at the top of the table down to four points.
After a patchy start to the season ICT look to be more like their old selves with Christie’s influence growing game by game.
“If that puts me in the Celtic manager’s good books, I’ll be happy,” the match-winner joked. “Is there a win bonus for me? I’ll need to have a word.
“I’m not sure if Celtic are on my mind. I get more spurred on by the thought of pushing Inverness and getting wins but I need to make sure the consistency is there and I’m playing well so they can see I’m ready when I get called down and can go straight into the first-team squad.
“I don’t like saying it but that’s one of the best goals I have hit. I’ve been trying to add goals and I’ve done alright so far this season.”
Celtic signed Christie on the closing day of the summer transfer window and immediately loaned him back to ICT with the deal running till January.
Ronny Deila isn’t short of midfield options but on Saturday’s form there is little doubt that Christie would be in the running for a place in the Celtic midfield.
With Liam Henderson gaining valuable experience on loan at Hibs it seems that midfield is one area of his squad that Deila won’t need to look at strengthening in January.