RYAN CHRISTIE lived the boyhood dream as he climbed the famous stairs, collected his medal and then held aloft the Scottish Cup at Hampden.

Almost a year on from his moment in the sun, the Celtic forward is now eyeing another celebration at the National Stadium as he bids for a unique double.

Christie was part of the Inverness Caley Thistle side that went all the way last season and took the silverware back to the Highlands thanks to a 2-1 victory over Falkirk.

It was a moment to savour for John Hughes and his players, and one that Christie still cherishes. It could get even better for the 21-year-old, though.

Victory for Ronny Deila’s side over Rangers this weekend would put the Hoops well on course for the silverware and only Hibernian or Dundee United will stand between them and the Double this term.

And Christie hopes he will have the chance to play his part in Celtic’s silverware push as he looks to get his hands on another winner’s medal next month.

“It was only the League Cup I was cup-tied for, I am OK for the Scottish Cup,” he said.

“It has worked out quite well. It wasn’t really something I thought about.

“I just wanted to play football so every game that was coming up I was desperate to play in for Inverness.

“I played in the League Cup against Livingston which ruled me out of the semi-final against Ross County. But, at that time, I wasn’t looking too far ahead.

“It would be pretty incredible to be lucky enough to be part of two teams to win the Scottish Cup.

“It would be special, and for me still being as young, to be lucky enough to be involved in two finals and win it twice. My medal is still back home in Inverness so hopefully I have got another one to add to it this season.”

The form that Christie showed during Caley Thistle’s run to Hampden undoubtedly played a part in bringing him to the attention of Parkhead boss Deila.

Just weeks after his Scottish Cup celebrations, he clinched a dream move to Celtic before he headed back up the A9 on loan for the first half of the campaign.

Since returning to Glasgow, he has only made a handful of appearances in green and white as game time has proven hard to come by.

He is determined to force his way into Deila’s side during the final weeks of the campaign, though, as he attempts to belatedly make his mark at Celtic Park.

“From now until the end of the season, the experience I will pick up from being involved and being around the pressure and the excitement of the last few games will be brilliant to be a part of,” Christie said.

“There is a pressure to perform when you are at Celtic and it is something I am looking forward to.

“Even just training with the players Celtic have and training in the facilities they have, that can only help you. The setup is there to help you improve as a player.

“I am getting used to it now and it was obviously one of the big changes when I signed for the club. Inverness go into a lot of games as an underdog but at Celtic you are expected to win every game.

“I have come off the bench a few times and you can feel it from the fans that they want you to do well. It is up to me to deal with that.”

Christie undoubtedly has the talent to become a key part of the Celtic side this season and in the future but the midfielder has had to be patient for his chance to impress.

Boss Deila has a host of options from which to choose each week and the competition in the Hoops squad is intense at present.

It is a challenge Christie knows he has to rise to, however, if he is to make his breakthrough and showcase his talents on a regular basis for the Hoops.

He said: “I expected that at Celtic. At some clubs, there is not as much competition for places as there is at a big club like Celtic.

“It is part of the challenge and the main thing for me it keep my head down, work hard and hopefully rise above everyone else in my position.

“When it comes down to it, you are training every day with them but, in a sense, you are trying to be better than them.

“When it comes to a match, it is all about the team and everyone pulls together to win the game. In training, you can only do your best possible.

“It will be a great experience and between now and then there are a few vital league games coming up. That is what our concentration will be on.

“It will be a really good game to be involved in hopefully and if I can get on the park that would be even better.”