Scott wants to play a more central role in Dons’ success and he is using his ex-Reds pal Christie as inspiration

Scott Wright will use pal Ryan Christie as his inspiration as he looks to take his game to a new level this season.

The Aberdeen ace is back in Derek McInnes’ side and fully fit after recovering from a cruciate ligament injury.

At 23, he’s ready to kick on in his career and so far this season his manager has given him the freedom to showcase his talent.

Wright wants to play as a No.10, behind the Dons’ strikers.

As a kid, he was seen as a tricky winger but he wants to influence games, adding goals and assists.

To date, he’s only scored six times for the club and he knows that number has to go up if he’s to become an integral part of McInnes’ team.

That’s exactly what Christie has done for both Celtic and Scotland since the pair were together at Pittodrie.

Wright remains close pals with the Parkhead star, who spent almost a season-and-a-half on loan to Aberdeen.

The former Scotland Under-21

McDermott

forward wants to emulate Christie this term by being more ruthless in the final third.

Wright, who’s been excellent for the Dons in their impressive start to the campaign, said: “I’ve had a conversation with the gaffer about playing as a No.10.

“I’ve seen some great players like Ryan and Kenny McLean do it for Aberdeen in recent years.

“Now, I want to put my own spin on it. But I know that you’re judged on your stats in there – whether that’s assists or goals.

“I want to be a menace in this team and bring my own style to it. It’s just about trying to get that consistency into my game, making opportunities and staying cool, calm and collected in certain situations.

“I’d still say I’m a pass-first sort of player, rather than shoot at goal. But I know I need to be a bit more selfish in front of goal. That’s what I’m working on.

“That’s always something you

Derek McInnesMcI showed his faith by giving giv Scott Wright a European debut at 16.

The AberAberdeen gaffer hasn’t lost any of t that belief now that he’s backba from injury. Wright W missed a year of football after he suf su fered cruciate can improve on. Look at the likes of Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo – they still work at their game so I’ll do the same.

“I feel if you play that position right, you can control the attack and the defensive side of the team.

“Sometimes the onus is on you to press from the front.

“I want to play with that sort of pressure on me.

“I watch the best players in England and up here do it. Christie is definitely one of them.

“I’m still really good friends with Ryan and you can take as much as possible from players l ike that and put it into your own game.

“He has become more selfish lately in front of goal for Celtic. He has the stats to back that up now, which is something I want.”

Wright learned to love the game more when he spent almost a year out through injury.

When he twisted his knee slightly in training, he feared he’d miss a few weeks.

Instead, it was the worst news possible when cruciate damage was revealed. But he’s not only ligament damage, then he had to bide his time during the Covid lockdown.

He’s now back fully fit and determined to cement a place in McInnes’ line-up.

He’s been terrific for the Dons at the start of this season and his manager believes he’s ready to be a major player for the club.

McInnes ( lef t) said: “Scott’s had a tough year with the cruciate.

“He was back and about to play a reserve game against Hibs just as we went into lockdown so he had to wait