Celtic manager Neil Lennon has confirmed the club are likely to open talks with Ryan Christie over extending the midfielder’s contract.

The 25-year-old had a superb season, scoring 19 goals in all competitions and Lennon is hopeful that the Hoops will reward him with an extension, with his current deal set to expire in two years time:

“That’s an avenue we will look to pursue. He was terrific for us last year and I’d love to give him an extension. It’s all quiet right now in terms of talks because there’s been so much going on, but we’ll be picking that up again soon.”

“He scored 20 goals last year and I’m sure he would have added more if the season went on. That’s a fantastic return for a wide man. But it wasn’t just his goals. It was his all-round game that was so important for us.”

“It’s like James Forrest and a good few others, they really weighed in and Ryan was right at the top as well.”

Christie has certainly come on leaps and bounds over the past few seasons, and he is now unquestionably a key player for Celtic, starting nearly every match under Lennon when he has been fit.

He has also been employed in a wide variety of roles during the Irishman’s tenure in charge, having played as a number 10, as a central midfielder, as well as on both flanks.

If Lennon does persist with a 3-5-2 next season, it is likely that he’ll be picked more consistently in central positions, with the width being provided by the two wingbacks.