Ryan Christie has insisted that he will rebuff any loan moves this month as he strives to maintain his part in Brendan Rodgers’ era at Celtic Park.

The 21-year-old has been a bit-player so far this term with just seven appearances and one goal but he believes that he can make an impact at the club.

"I'm absolutely happy to stay here,” said Christie. “My plan from the start of season has been to get myself into that starting eleven. After the winter break that's in my mind. Obviously there are still a few months coming up with games coming thick and fast so it's important that players like me are ready and if I get put in I can keep my place.”

And, citing the example of Stuart Armstrong this season who has become a pivotal cog in the middle of the park for Celtic, Christie is determined to stake his place.

“Stu is probably a great example of how things can change, and maybe all it needs is a wee tweak and he’s done unbelievable since he’s come in,” he said.

“Going from where he was at the start of the season to captaining the side this season now, that’s an incredible jump for him.

“That shows that when it is in front of you it can be done, it’s all down to working hard.”

Despite not featuring as often as he ideally would have liked, Christie has been in constant dialogue with Rodgers and he believes he has improved under the guidance of the Celtic manager.

“From the start of the season looking back to where I am now, I can 100% say I've improved my game in all sorts of different aspects,” he said. “In terms of tactics, the ideas when the manager first came in, the boys have all to start again and start learning his ideas. From where we were then to where we are now is really impressive. I think I've come on in leaps and bounds.”

And not playing in the starting XI doesn’t equate to being out of sight, out of mind under Rodgers.

“He’s very vocal with all the players, he’s very good like that man-management-wise,” said Christie.

“He’s always let me know that I’m never out of sight, and even though I might not be playing as many games, I’m still having an impact and I’m still in his thoughts which is good

“That raises my confidence and positivity going forward.

“I think from the start when you look at it, even in Europe, it was always going to be a hard team to break into because we’ve done so well and have been so successful thus far.

“It sounds bad but it’s easier to get into a team that’s playing poorly rather than one that is playing very well.

“On that side of things it’s hard, and it shows me that I have to be looking to be that extra bit patient and rely on getting game-time when the manager needs to change it due to fatigue or tired legs if we’ve got more than one game in a week.

“I’d say overall that there is lots of playing time still to come this season, so let’s hope I can make an impact.”