Ryan Christie has rejected claims that a dressing room revolt led to the sacking of Neil Lennon at Celtic.
The axe fell on Lennon amid a nightmare season for the Hoops last term, one that saw their dreams of 10-in-a-row go up in flames.
Many believe Lennon's outburst following a Champions League defeat to Ferencvaros in August 2020 was allowed to fester within his squad.
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The 50-year-old claimed some of his stars had their heads turned as he told those not committed to the cause to head for the exit door.
Christie, who had just over a year left on his deal at the time, Odsonne Edouard and Kris Ajer were under a constant spotlight due to their expiring deals.
Speaking to Football Scotland, Christie said: "It was tough because, number one, I don't think anyone had stated they were absolutely desperate to leave at that point.
"A few people had maybe had offers in like Premier League or elsewhere that was promising for them.
"It was so early in the season where it's a bit different for Celtic when you have such important games at the start of the season that it means you have to be focussed straight away.
"That's when the transfer market takes over a little bit at the start of the season.
"Did it have to be said? I'm not so sure. I think everyone was desperate to get a result.
"Everyone in our squad was firing on all cylinders to try and get through.
"Had we got into the Champions League that season I'm sure that would have steadied some players' heads about leaving because that's an attraction itself.
"People probably look back at those comments now and think, 'That's where it started going wrong so early' but we took it as a minor blip, it was frustrating but it was still early and in our minds we were still thinking we'll go on to have a successful season."
Christie added: "Around the time when people are calling for change around the club, whether that's managerial or even higher, it's hard as a player not to see it.
"All it takes is having a close friend thinking you've got the inside scoop, but you know as much as they do!
"There was definitely a feeling of uncertainty at times going in, and it did end up changing, but there was definitely uncertainty throughout the later half of the season about whether there would be changes."
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