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The National (Scotland)
The National (Scotland)
Sport
Stewart Wilson

Rangers hero Alan Hutton feels Ryan Christie Celtic return is unlikely

Rangers hero Alan Hutton reckons a Ryan Christie Celtic return is unlikely but insists Brendan Rodgers would not close the door on any player rejoining that could make the starting XI better.

Reports down south have linked the Scotland international with a return north of the border but Hutton feels it is unlikely.

Christie is a regular starter for the Cherries and Hutton feels he will stay put.

Speaking to Football Insider, he said: " I do not think Brendan Rodgers would close the door to any player that he thinks can make his starting XI better.

“If there is something to be done there then there is always a possibility. Is coming back always a good thing? I am not so sure.

“I think when you are in the Premier League and doing well, playing games, I think there will be other options as well. Celtic are a huge club going for trophies, playing in European competitions so there is always a draw there.“

Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers has named three players he thinks can fill the void left by Reo Hatate.

The Celtic midfielder be unavailable until after Christmas due to a hamstring injury sustained against Atletico Madrid.

And Rodgers feels that there is quality in the squad that can fight to take the place of the Japan international.

He said: "It will be between him and other players that we have in that position when they get the opportunity.

"I think with Paulo he is a fantastic young professional and he has come in from a different country and adapted and settled really well. 

"He's really looking to take on board the football philosophy here with regard to how we want to play.

"He played virtually the whole game against Atletico Madrid and it was always going to be a challenge for him at the weekend, but for that first 60-odd minutes he worked hard and did very well. I just think over time he will get better and better.

"We also have Dave Turnbull and Odin [Thiago Holm] who can come into that position as well.

"The opportunities are there and will be there for players both in training and in the games and it is just about taking these opportunities."

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