ONLY 12 months ago, he was wallowing in the wings.
But Ryan Christie proved just how much he’s centre stage now at Celtic.
The attacking midfielder was the first player out to model the Hoops’ new grey-and-pink third kit at the club’s festival at Glasgow’s SECC.
He’s also one of the first names on Neil Lennon’s team sheet.
If there had been a similar function this time last year, Christie was so far out of the picture he might not even have been asked along.
But his double in Wednesday’s 5-0 win over Nomme Kalju was the latest reminder of just how far he’s come.
Asked about his appearance, Christie, 24, said: “It’s been brilliant. I’ve been lucky enough to break into the team and stay there.
“This season I’m wanting to properly push on and make a real impact on the team. If I can do that I’ll be happy.
“I’d rather be playing under pressure than not playing at all. When you’re playing at Celtic, there will always be a pressure to perform.
“It’s such a high-quality squad that if you’re not performing then you won’t play. It’s as simple as that.
“It’s a pressure I’m looking forward to dealing with, especially as an attacking player as I need to create and score goals myself.”
Christie signed for the Hoops four years ago — but a combination of injuries, loss of form and spells out on loan mean he’s yet to taste Champions League group football.
Back in 2012, he sat with dad Charlie as Lennon’s side shocked Barcelona. Back then, he was there as a fan.
Sitting in the stands as an unstripped player hammered home just how much he wanted to be involved.
Christie added: “It would be amazing to play in the group stages. I was at the club under Brendan Rodgers when we qualified but didn’t play a minute.
“The games we played were great spectacles, against great teams, but it’s different when you’re not playing.
“It’s just so frustrating when you’re not on the pitch.
“I played in the Europa League last season and loved it. The Leipzig match was one of my favourite ever.
“Everyone dreams of playing in the Champions League because you test yourself against the very best and that would be nice.
“It can go wrong but you want to face the best. Hopefully that can happen.
“Before coming here, I went to the Barcelona game, which we won 2-1. We managed to get a few tickets.
“That was an incredible time for me growing up, seeing a Champions League match at Celtic Park.
“Now it would be nice to be on the other side of the fence and playing.
“I hadn’t thought about the fact that the manager was in charge then when I was down supporting and now he’s my manager.
“But football can throw up funny things like that all the time. It’s strange how things work out sometimes.
“It’s clear how much he wants it and that he’s pushing us on to take the opportunity that we have.”
Christie picked up a booking in the win over Estonian outfit Nomme Kalju on Wednesday.
That could see Lennon leave him out of the second leg on Tuesday to prevent the risk of him being banned for the third qualifying round.
Christie said: “I always want to play but I understand it. I’m not exactly looking to go flying about the pitch smashing people.
“I think my booking the other night was my first slide tackle in six months! Halfway through it, I was thinking, ‘I’m miles off this’.
“I’ll understand it if I’m left out for my benefit. If I picked up another booking I’d be suspended. But I just want to play and, after the injuries I’ve had, long may it continue.”
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Lennon is still looking to add to his squad, but Christie believes there is enough quality at Parkhead to make it to the group stages.
He added: “The players are not desperate for more signings.
“If good-quality players come into the club and can help us out, then we’ll be delighted.
“But the quality of player we have this season is, hopefully, enough to push us all the way.
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“Our new signing came in on Friday and looked really sharp in training. That brings another smile to faces and we’re quite confident in ourselves.
“Our results have shown that up until now, so that’s something for us to build on.”
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