RYAN CHRISTIE has dismissed Neil Lennon’s international concerns after the midfielder played every minute of every Scotland game during the final international break of the year.
Ryan was a big part of the reason why Scotland will be at next years Euros; scoring in Serbia made it possible. However, Steve Clarke opted to rest many players after the Serbia game but Ryan played on, in both games against Slovakia and Israel. Scotland lost both those games and failed to win their UEFA Nations League group.
Clarke clearly sees Christie as an integral part of his team but Neil Lennon wasn’t over enamoured by the decision for the midfielder to play in all Scotland’s ties.
Speaking after the Hibs draw at the weekend, Ryan was quick to say he had no problem with playing and most managers have a moan about their players on international duty.
“Yeah, I think every manager with players away would be the same. It was the same with John McGinn at Villa and KT (Kieran Tierney) at Arsenal as well.” Christie told SunSport.
“The clubs are always going to have a wee moan when players are asked to play three games in a short space of time.
“But for me personally, I want to rack up the caps so I’m certainly not going to complain about getting to play for my country as many times as I can.
“I still felt fresh on Saturday and managed to complete 90 minutes with no problems.
“The three games in seven days was tough especially after the celebrations of the first one.
“But I always want to play. It’s nice going away with Scotland and to be successful but you want to come back to club football and hit the ground running as well.
“I’m frustrated myself for not scoring against Hibs – I thought I might have been able to get on the score sheet but it wasn’t to be.
“I’m just looking to get up to top form with my club now.”
Celtic are trying to find their stride this season and have yet to show they’re capable of upping their game. They sit eleven points behind their title rivals and have it all to do in the coming weeks.
