THE midweek action continues for Neil Lennon’s side tomorrow night (Wednesday) as Celtic continue the defence of the League Cup at home to Partick Thistle.

The Hoops will be looking to come out on top of their second Glasgow derby inside a month to book a semi-final trip to Hampden and Ryan Christie played a crucial role in Celtic reaching last year’s final – and winning it.

“The League Cup comes around very quickly in the season and you need to be right on it,” said Christie in this week’s Celtic View. “That’s the quarter finals here in mid-September, so there’s a lot on the line so early in the season but that’s the kind of mentality we operate under, with European qualification taking place from the off.

“It’s great for the new boys as well. Part of the reason they’ll have come here is to win silverware, and we’ll go into the Partick Thistle game determined to reach the semi-final. These big games come quick and fast, especially when you play for Celtic.”

If there are any spot-kicks in the game against Thistle, you can rest assured that Christie will be at the head of the queue to take it after he put away the penalty in Celtic’s 1-1 draw away with Rennes in the Europa League last week.

The Celtic midfielder has been on sensational form again this season and having the opportunity to add to his impressive goalscoring run as the designated penalty kick-taker is a challenge he is relishing.

“The gaffer said from the start of the season that he wants me hitting the penalties,” said Christie. “I was delighted when he said that. It was a decision he made from the first game and I’m really happy to have that opportunity because it’ll let me add more goals to my game.

“We practice them in training and Stevie Woods is always helping us. He does different things to put pressure on us and there are always bets, so it’s good fun and the work has been paying off. I always have confidence in myself to step up and take the penalties, so long may it continue.”

Christie’s constant pressing in the attacking midfield role is pivotal in helping the team play the way they do. His pace, strength, energy and aggression help Celtic win back possession quickly and turn that into attack to hurt teams.

It’s also yielded plenty of goals, for not just the team, but Christie, especially. He has now hit double figures following his goal against Kilmarnock at the weekend – and any opportunities against the Firhill side could add to his monthly target.

“I’m on 10 goals now so I’m reasonably pleased with that,” said Christie. “I don’t focus on end-of-season targets as much as I do month-by-month targets.”

For the full interview with Ryan Christie and a FREE GIANT A2 Celtic 2019/20 team poster, see this week’s Celtic View. On sale from Wednesday, September 25.

To download a digital version of the View, click on the banner below.

Ryan Christie is looking for another Hampden League Cup trip