Christie feels he proved a point

Ryan Christie feels he has announced himself as an Aberdeen player after scoring a spectacular goal on his first start.

Christie had already claimed his first goal in two substitute appearances following his loan move from Celtic but he had to be patient as manager Derek McInnes kept the same team for eight consecutive matches.

Graeme Shinnie’s suspension handed the 21-year-old his chance against Motherwell on Wednesday night and he played his part in a 7-2 victory, curling a brilliant finish into the top corner with the outside of his left boot.

“The main reason for the loan move was to get game time so I was delighted to start,” said the former Inverness player, whose move to Pittodrie was overshadowed by the reappearance of an anti-Aberdeen tweet from his younger days.

“I felt that I needed to prove a point or show what I could bring to Aberdeen. So from that point of view I was happy to get on the scoresheet.

“The fans were brilliant for me and all the players. I really appreciate the reception I got when I came off.

“I feel I have now embedded myself in the club.”

Christie was quick to dismiss some light-hearted accusations that his stunning goal was a fluke.

“Yes, I did mean it,” he told RedTV. “I have heard Shinnie has questioned it and maybe a few other boys have questioned it.

“I did not mean it to go as perfect as it did but it was a shot so I’m happy with it.”

Aberdeen have now won eight of their last nine games and moved three points ahead of Rangers in the Premiership into second place.

Christie added: “From start to finish the boys were unbelievable.

“For the first half-hour or so we were brilliant, every time we went forward it ended with a shot or a goal. And we had the concentration and stability to see out the game in the second half.”

Ryan Christie: appreciated reception from fans.