WITH a Man of the Match-winning performance against St Johnstone at Paradise yesterday (Saturday), an emphatic hat-trick, and six goals to his name already this campaign, Ryan Christie is flying. Better still, Neil Lennon reckons his best is yet to come.

Each of the 24-year-old’s goals against the Saints was a beauty, and the Hoops boss keenly praised all aspect of his game.

He said: Ryan is a great boy, a great professional and he’s easy to work with. He wants to do well, he wants to impress, and I’ve inherited a great player.

“He uses the time away to look after himself. He’s far stronger than he’s ever been and that gives him confidence. He’s always been a technician but we’re seeing a great player who only keeps getting better.”

The manager joked by saying Christie was upset to miss out on a fourth goal when he was swapped for Olivier Nthcam on 72 minutes, and, given the Frenchman bagged a goal of his own off the bench, said he’s certain his side can bring even more goals as the campaign unfolds.

Looking ahead to Wednesday’s UEFA Champions League third qualifying round first-leg against CFR Cluj, the manager said Hatem Abd Elhamed will be monitored after being forced to retire with a dead legon his debut. Likewise, Marian Shved will be fit for selection in midweek, as will Jozo Simunovic and Christopher Jullien.

The manager added: “Hatem got a dead leg against St Johnstone, but we’ll just have to monitor him. I thought he was outstanding and Boli had a great game as well on the opposite side. Marian should be back in the squad for Wednesday as well. We’ve got a good depth there and he’ll add to that again.

“Speaking generally, we don’t need to send messages, there are three trophies sitting out there at the front of the pitch. We talk on the pitch, that’s what we like to do.

“I think this side has more goals in them. There’s a belief that when they play like the way they did against St Johnstone and take their chances, it works. That pleases me more than anything.”

Manager: Fantastic Christie is constantly improving