'Manager's dream' - Chris Sutton lavishes praise on 'immense' Celtic talent

Ryan Christie (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC / AFP) (Photo by ANDREJ ISAKOVIC/AFP via Getty Images)

Christie played a starring role in Scotland’s historic European Championship qualification triumph over Serbia on Thursday evening.

The 25-year-old scored his side’s goal in a 1-1 draw that eventually saw Steve Clarke’s men book their place at a first major tournament in 22 years after a tense penalty shootout.

The Hoops favourite then gave an emotional interview after the final whistle, and has been widely praised for his performance on the pitch and his passion off it in the days that have followed.

Writing in his weekly column for the Daily Record, former Celtic striker Sutton was the latest to heap plaudits on the Scot.

Reflecting on Leigh Griffiths’ confident spot kick, the pundit said: "That takes guts because it’s such a crucial moment in a shootout. Miss that one and it’s an uphill struggle – but he smashed it and showed his big-game mentality.

“Celtic will get the benefit of that kind of boost and it’ll be the same for Ryan Christie.

“He proved again what a big player he is in Serbia. He was immense. You have to admire his attitude as well as his versatility, to be able play so many positions at such a high level.

“No matter the job he is asked to do, he gives it absolutely everything.

“We all know he can produce moments of magic but he combines it with a ferocious workrate. Christie is a manager’s dream.”