Miller’s praise for Dons ace Ryan

ABERDEEN icon Willie Miller has hailed ‘shining light’ Ryan Christie after the Dons loan star inspired a stunning triumph over Siroki Brijeg.

The 22-year-old was a stand-out in both legs of the Europa League clash, scoring in the 1-1 draw at Pittodrie before illuminating the encounter i n Bosnia with wonderful assists for new arrivals Greg Stewart and Gary Mackay-Steven.

Miller reckons the impact of the Dons marquee trio of signings will help to allay fears that they could be hit hard by the departures of Niall McGinn and Jonny Hayes.

However, it was Christie who garnered the most fulsome praise after a man of the match showing.

He lauded: “Ryan Christie, who is effectively a new recruit as he didn’t play much last season, was magnificent.

“There is no doubt in my mind that, over the two games, he has been outstanding.

“All three of the big signings played their part, but you have got to single out Christie as being a shining light. He really looked like a quality player.

“Then you are looking for other players to step up too and find the back of the net.

“Aberdeen have lost two key players in the close season and clearly Derek McIness has gone out and recruited with a bit of quality. That quality shone on Thursday.

“I thought Greg Stewart had a really good game and Gary Mackay-Steven was in and out, but the finishing from both of them – set up by Christie – was outstanding.”

The triumph was a welcome fillip for Scottish football in a campaign which has already seen Rangers exit Europe in ignominious fashions against Luxembourg minnows Progres Neiderkorn and St Johnstone crash out against FK Trakai of Lithuania.

And Miller was in no mood to understate the scale of the achievement.

He added: “They thoroughly deserved the win and the second half was one of the best performances in Europe that Aberdeen have achieved in recent years.”