Celtic sign exciting young Scottish midfielder Ryan Christie
Tuesday 1 September 2015 19:48, UK
Celtic have signed Scotland U21 international Ryan Christie from Inverness Caledonian Thistle and the midfielder has signed a four-year contract.
The 20-year-old will return to Inverness on loan, possibly for the rest of the season, although Celtic say they are "likely to exercise" an option which would see him come back to them in January 2016.
Christie has made over 60 appearances for Inverness and the Scottish Football Writers' Association voted him Scotland's Young Player of the Year last season.
Celtic boss Ronny Deila said: "Ryan is a hugely talented young player and it is great news that we have secured his long-term future with Celtic.
"He is someone who has so much in his game and he is a young player who will excite our fans and ultimately be an important part of our future success."
Trending
- 'Cultural overhaul needed' | Neville slams 'mediocre' Man Utd
- Papers: Rashford loses Man Utd dressing room after public comments
- Transfer Centre LIVE! Could Maguire leave Man Utd for free next summer?
- Usyk on perfect rival Fury | Rematch ‘too early’ for Dubois
- Goals galore! Liverpool trump Spurs in NINE-goal bonanza
- Impatient Ange vows to never change as Carra questions tactics again
- World Darts Championship schedule: Cross headlines Monday's action
- 'Performance of champions' | Carra praises Liverpool's statement win
- Amorim: Anxiety around Old Trafford is affecting our mentality
- Liverpool latest: Wherever I end my career I am happy - Salah
Hoops fan Christie said: "I have said to my father and many of my friends that Celtic has been my dream club, that it has been my dream move since I was a young boy.
"As soon as it came up, I was jumping to get the chance to sign for them.
"My dad spoke about how Celtic will improve me as a player. The facilities are the best in Scotland and that will go a long way to improving me.
"I have been to many games here over the years, quite a lot of European nights, and the last one was the Barcelona game in 2012 (Celtic won 2-1), which was some night to say the least.
"That is probably the best game I've ever been to, so to come here and get the chance to play is incredible.
"It is maybe a bit corny to say a dream come true but that's certainly what it feels like."
Inverness manager John Hughes said: "I'm extremely pleased that Ryan, a local lad, has been able to play for his local team at the highest levels in Scotland and thus secure a move to the team of his dreams.
"He deserves every success at Celtic Park.
"In view of our severe injury crisis, it was crucial that we didn't lose his services immediately.
"We look forward to Ryan re-joining us following the conclusion of contract negotiations and to making his contribution as we bid to climb the table."
