By Football Insider speaking to Jackie McNamara

13th May, 2019 | 3:06pm

'Expecting big things' - McNamara in awe of Celtic player he tips to set SPL alight next season

EXCLUSIVE

Jackie McNamara has revealed he’s “expecting big things” from Celtic attacker Ryan Christie and backs him to set the SPL alight next season.

The 24-year-old made a huge impression when he get his chance last autumn only for his progress to be interrupted by serious thigh and facial injuries.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Hoops legend McNamara explained why he expects the attacking midfielder to build upon his achievements in the next campaign.

“He came in, it was sort of later on in the season, he got an opportunity and done well and unfortunately got a bad injury again – he’s picked up a couple of injuries,” McNamara said.

“Expecting big things for him, possibly next season. I still think there has to be a lot of change in the set-up next year and a lot of players coming and going.”

“When he did come in, I think it was maybe October time, and he got an opportunity and he scored in the game and he had a good run after that, he scored in a few games in a row.

“The thing about being at Celtic, you need to be consistent week in, week out and handle the demands. He’s had two kind of bad injuries so hopefully he rests up and has a good go at it next season.”

Christie seized his chance at the Hoops this season after spending the 2016-17 and 2017-18 campaigns on loan at Aberdeen.

He has scored 11 goals and supplied nine assists from 38 appearances this season, with nine of his strikes coming from 23 Scottish Premiership fixtures.

In other Celtic news, it can be REVEALED that the club have made an approach to sign a left-sided flyer and he wants to join.