Highly-rated Celtic midfielder Ryan Christie admits pre-season training has gone really well and he is looking forward to playing a part for the first-team this term.

Christie signed for the Scottish champions last summer on a four-year deal and was then immediately loaned back to Inverness Caledonian Thistle on a season-long loan.

However, the 21-year-old suffered a knee injury during the temporary spell and the deal was cut short so he could return to Celtic Park to recovery from the problem.

The Scotland Under-21 international did return to full fitness towards the end of the campaign and managed to make five league appearances under former manager Ronny Deila.

He impressed in the 7-0 thumping of Motherwell on the final day of last season, scoring once, and that performance made a few people stand up and take notice.

Celtic now have a new manager in the shape of ex-Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers and Christie, who admitted he has been working hard to show-off his abilities, says the level of performance from his team-mates right now is outstanding.

“I’ve had to be patient but I am really enjoying training now, the standard has been absolutely brilliant and you can see every single player is loving it,” he said.

“It’s a good thing there’s a lot of competition for places. It raises the attitude of everyone in there, to try to improve and do better.”

The Bhoys, who are 1.25 favourites to retain the Scottish title, open their league campaign away at Heart of Midlothian on August and are fancied to pick up the win at 1.60. The hosts are the big outsiders at 5.00 to cause a massive surprise while the draw is priced at 3.75.