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It was the night Ryan Christie puffed out his chest and brought a lump to dad Charlie’s throat.

Charlie feared his boy would suffer the same fate as he did after moving in 1987 from the Highlands to Parkhead.

Despite dazzling for Celtic reserves Charlie was eventually forced to move on in 1989 after failing to dislodge the likes of Andy Walker and Frank McAvennie from the first team.

Almost 30 years on he feared Ryan would need to do the same, having spent two loan spells at Aberdeen after struggling to break into Brendan Rodgers side.

(Image: Daily Record)

But the 23-year-old has seized his chance this term and his old man knew he had arrived when he watched his kid shine in the Europa League win over Leipzig.

Christie capped a fine display by setting up the winner for Odsonne Edouard and his family celebrated in an Irish bar in Tenerife.

Charlie said: “Needless to say the free drink and the tears were flowing as the place was jumping. Of all the nights to miss! But as a family we were in dreamland.

“Ryan won the Scottish Cup at 19 with Inverness then got the move to Celtic in 2015 which I thought would be a huge challenge for him.

“But that night against Leipzig saw Ryan finally make his mark. His performance brought a lump to my throat.

“That was the moment Ryan puffed out his chest out and believed not only he was good enough to be a Celtic player but that he belonged on the European stage.

(Image: SNS Group)

“He took his game to another level. He made the set-up for Edouard’s goal look so easy.

“In that moment I’ve never felt so proud of Ryan.”

Christie has pushed on since, earning a new three-year deal at Celtic on the back of more impressive displays.

His form also earned a Scotland call-up and he was a key player as Alex McLeish’s men crushed Albania 4-0 in the Nations League on Saturday.

He’s set to start again in the decider against Israel tonight and Charlie said: “I’ve reminded Ryan he’s had a great month.

“I told him it was just a stepping stone and he now has to kick on. I have challenged him to turn a great month into a great season and then into a great career.

“Playing for Scotland is also important and representing his country means the world to Ryan. It’s great to see him get the chance to shine on the international stage.

“There is still much more to come from him.”

Charlie’s Celtic career never hit the same heights but he still has fond memories of his time in Glasgow.

He was part of the squad that won the Double in Celtic’s centenary season and still has some souvenirs from that campaign. The 52-year-old said: “Watching Ryan does bring back memories.

“I loved my two years with Celtic but I couldn’t break into the team. I was top scorer in the reserves and it brought my game on leaps and bounds.

“To see Ryan now playing for Celtic is surreal. Having played for Celtic myself it is handy I can pass on the benefit of my experience.”