AT one stage earlier this year, it looked as though last year’s Scottish Cup campaign might be cancelled amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Instead, Celtic will play Aberdeen at Hampden today (Sunday) in the rescheduled semi-final, as they aim to book their place in the final against either Hearts or Hibernian five days before Christmas. Ryan Christie, for one, can’t wait.

The last meeting at this stage of the competition between the sides came in April 2019, when the Hoops ran out 3-0 winners, on their way to a Treble Treble. However, Christie’s participation in that match came to an abrupt halt on 42 minutes following a dreadful challenge by Dominic Ball, which earned the Aberdeen defender a red card.

For Christie, it meant not only the end of that game but of his season as he suffered facial fractures and had to take his time recovering to full fitness.

This time around, he’s looking forward to the Hampden clash and will be hoping for better fortune against the Dons – which had previously game when he score the winning goal in the 2018/19 League Cup final against Derek McInnes’ side.

Christie told this week’s Celtic View: “When everything went into lockdown earlier in the year, these big cup games are among the ones you panic might get lost.

“It was the same at international level for all of us as well, but the Scottish Cup semi-final last year was the next big game for us, after the derby. We were desperate to get it played, so once you hear about the fact that it’s going ahead, you’re delighted!”

Christie found the net from the spot in the 3-3 draw at Pittodrie last weekend, and said his enforced break from football has only renewed his passion for the game and pulling on the Hoops.

He added: “When I think about the face injury against Aberdeen, and also all of the stuff that’s happened since, injuries, goals, big games, ups and downs, it’s madness. But at the same time, relevant to how busy things are, you do just take all of these things in your stride.

“Even when you get the lows – most recently, with me being forced to self-isolate at the Scotland camp – they’re obviously frustrating, but you need to look at it in a good way in any way you can. You get that wee bit of time to reflect and you get a bit of a buzz again, you’re desperate to get back in.

“That’s what I’ve had, since I’ve been back in training, I’ve just been running about full of excitement and energy, delighted to be back in, and desperate to get going again. I was delighted to get the go-ahead to be available for the Milan game, to get some time on the pitch against a great side. That break away from football lets you rediscover how much you love it in many ways.”

Ryan Christie: We're determined to book return trip to Hampden