RYAN Christie has been playing the numbers game and it’s opposition defences that have been counting the cost as the midfielder has been racking up the goals this season. With 11 goals from 17 starts already this term, it was only Odsonne Edouard’s double against Ross County on Saturday, that levelled the French striker, also on 17 starts, with the young Scot.

He would like nothing better than to add to that tally tonight against Lazio when the teams meet in the UEFA Europa League Group E clash in the East End of Glasgow.

His more offensive play as opposed to rather more defensive duties when he first broke into the Celtic side has allowed Christie to forage forward in search of goals and assists, and he is relishing the responsibility thrust upon him by Neil Lennon.

He said: “The role differs in simply being a bit more attacking and having a bit more licence and fewer defensive duties. Last season it was more of a No.8 role, whereas this year it’s more of a No.10 or playing off the striker.

“I’m loving it. That attacking flair we have this season came from the manager. He wanted us to have that quicker, expansive attacking football. We’ll probably dominate most games possession-wise but he wants that flair going forward.”

One of the players who will be aiming to stop Christie and the other Celts from displaying that expansive, flowing football is former Anfield star, Lucas Leiva.

The Brazilian defensive midfielder is now at Lazio after 10 years on Merseyside, and Christie is savouring the opportunity to go head-to-head against some of the best that Italian football has to offer.

The 24-year-old said: “I watched him play for Liverpool and thought he was a brilliant player. It’s always nice playing against these kind of players, the best in the world, and Lazio have no shortage of them.

“This is why you want to play in big European games for Celtic, because you get to test yourself against quality players across Europe. These are the games you want to play in.”

It’s all adding up for Ryan Christie ahead of Lazio clash