Ryan Christie says his time at Celtic prepared him for the biggest stages in football as he looks ahead to another major tournament with Scotland.
The Bournemouth midfielder spent six years at Parkhead after joining from Inverness Caley Thistle in 2015, collecting four Premiership titles, two Scottish Cups and two League Cups during a successful spell in Glasgow.
After initially finding opportunities limited, Christie forced his way into the side and became a key figure under Brendan Rodgers and Neil Lennon. By the time he left for Bournemouth in August 2021, he had racked up 151 appearances, scoring 42 goals and providing 44 assists.
Now 31, Christie has established himself as an important player for Bournemouth, operating in a deeper midfield role than the attacking position Celtic supporters became familiar with during his best years at the club.
Reflecting on his time at Parkhead, Christie made it clear the experience left a lasting impression. He said (AFC Bournemouth YouTube):
“I loved my time at Celtic. It probably gave me a massive experience in dealing with big games, then when you come down and play in the Premier League with the big stadiums, you feel a lot more used to it, to be honest.
“There aren’t many games that compare to an Old Firm, in my experience.
“I was lucky to play up there for a few years and play in cup finals and stuff, and win trophies.
“It’s part of my career that I absolutely loved.”
Christie was sometimes a divisive player among supporters during his Celtic career. His willingness to shoot from distance could be frustrating at times, but there was never any questioning of his work rate or commitment.
At his best, he brought goals, assists and an intensity that helped drive Celtic through some of their most successful domestic campaigns in recent years.
His comments will strike a chord with many supporters who watched him develop from a promising squad player into one of the team’s most influential performers.
The midfielder now looks set to play a major role for Scotland at this summer’s World Cup.
He got himself on the scoresheet in the recent 4-1 friendly victory over Curacao at Hampden and featured in the first half of Scotland’s 4-0 win against Bolivia.
Christie’s game has evolved since leaving Celtic, but the energy, pressing and ball-carrying ability that made him such an effective player in Glasgow remain central to what he offers.
Scotland will need those qualities if they are to make an impact at the tournament, and Christie heads into it carrying the experience of big occasions that he believes was shaped by his years in green and white.
