Christie aims to go out on high in two biggest games

Ryan Christie is not looking beyond Tuesday as he aims to end his time at Aberdeen on a high.

The attacking midfielder plays the final two games of his loan spell against Hibernian and Rangers before sitting out the last match of the Ladbrokes Premiership season against parent club Celtic.

Christie has helped the Dons build a three-point lead over their two nearest challengers for second spot and is determined to round off the job, starting with the visit of Neil Lennon’s side.

The 23-year-old said: “Looking forward, I will be reporting for Celtic for pre-season and we’ll take it from there but, most importantly for me right now, I’m desperate to help this club finish second.

“A lot of people have been asking me what my future holds but it’s hard to look past the end of the season. It would be such a great way to end my time at Aberdeen if we can steal second.

“It comes down to these two games and I need to do as much as I can to help the club in these two games. I’m sure it will be over like that and I will definitely miss my time up in Aberdeen.

“It’s brilliant that the two games I’ve got left are probably the two biggest games of our season so I’m really looking forward to them.”

Christie feels dealing with the pressure of an expectant Dons support for 18 months can boost his Celtic career.

The former Inverness player, who has made 12 appearances for Celtic, said: “This season for the first time in my career I have been lucky enough to play almost every game. It’s taught me so much and given me so much experience.

“This season with Aberdeen has given me so much responsibility, especially as an attacking player, to create goals and score goals and that will only help me too.”

Hibernian boss Neil Lennon admits Dylan McGeouch could miss the trip to Pittodrie.

The midfielder suffered a fracture below his eye against Celtic and sat out last week’s win over Kilmarnock.

He has had a protective mask made which could allow him to return to action against the Dons but Lennon admits McGeouch will only play if he feels comfortable with his new equipment.

Former St Johnstone midfielder Danny Swanson is also a doubt having suffered from a virus in recent days.