Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie has opened up about his departure from Celtic, admitting he needed a change of scene. 

The 27-year-old, who looks destined to be a Premier League star under Scott Parker next season, is glad he took the plunge. 

And he admits Scotland teammates who were extremely positive about playing down south played a part in his decision to leave Parkhead. 

He told The Times: “It was all to do with a change of scene. 

“After eight years in Scottish football I took a step back and asked myself: ‘what do I want next in my career?’ I was at an important age – 26 – where I felt that, whatever decision I made, it was going to define probably the most important years of my career going forward. 

“I’d played all my football in Scotland and reached that point where I just fancied trying England. I’d also played with boys in the Scotland team who were down here and I’d heard them rave about how good playing in England was, especially the Premier League. So that’s a leap I want to try to make with Bournemouth this season. 

“So it’s been like a breath of fresh air for me: coming to a new club, to a new area, playing in a new league and finding it a wee bit different on the pitch. It’s been enjoyable.”