Scotland boss Steve Clarke is thrilled to have Bournemouth midfielder Ryan Christie available for selection ahead of Sunday’s decisive UEFA Nations League play-off meeting with Greece.
With the Scots holding a slender 1-0 lead from Thursday’s first leg, Clarke is confident that Christie’s inclusion will bolster his side’s chances of retaining their place in Section A.
Christie was unavailable for the opening match due to suspension, but Clarke is eager to bring the 30-year-old back into the fold.
The former Celtic star, known for his attacking flair, has been in excellent form for his club, even though he has been deployed in a slightly deeper role.
Despite this slight change in position, Clarke remains undeterred in his belief that Christie’s qualities are a perfect fit for Scotland’s style of play.
“I’ve seen Ryan a couple of times for Bournemouth and people will tell you that he is playing a slightly deeper role,” he noted.
“But when you watch Bournemouth play, he is still the one who is leading the high press and is the one that gets after the game and gets forward to the edge of the box.”
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Clarke, who typically utilises Christie in a more advanced position behind the likes of Che Adams or Lyndon Dykes, acknowledged that Bournemouth’s tactical setup has not altered his ability to make an impact on the pitch.
Christie has played 30 matches for the English Premier League outfit this season, scoring twice and providing three assists.
The Scotland head coach went on to say: “All they have done at Bournemouth is given him a nominal position, if you like, but he plays the same way Ryan plays.
“It does not matter where you play Ryan on the pitch, he brings energy and quality and that is what he always brings for us as well.”
