Celtic’s Ryan Christie admits the excitement is building ahead of a possible debut as the midfielder is desperate to make an impact in the first team.

The 20-year-old was signed by the Bhoys in the summer on a four-year deal from Inverness and then immediately loaned back to Thistle on a season-long loan move.

His performances were impressive for Caley as the Scotland Under-21 international scored three goals in 13 Scottish Premier League appearances.

However, the temporary move was ended prematurely when the highly-rated youngster suffered a knee injury on November 7 in a clash against Motherwell.

The Inverness-born star was recalled from his loan spell last month and, with the rehabilitation process going well, Christie is hoping to make a big impact for Celtic after being impressed by the Scottish champions in recent weeks.

“The fan-base down here is pretty incredible and even walking through the town I have been noticed a few times which is quite surprising to be fair, but good,” he said. “I can’t wait to get out there and hopefully make an impact.”

Christie is on schedule to make his comeback at the end of January and the home clash against St Johnstone is a potential debut date.

Celtic are currently top of the table by three points from Aberdeen and the defending champions are big favourites at 1.02 to retain their title this season.

Ronny Deila’s men are next in action on Sunday in the Scottish Cup when they travel to Stranraer and the visitors are 1.14 to win. The draw is priced at 7.50 while the hosts are massive outsiders at 19.00.