FLYING Scotsman Ryan Christie revealed how he was set to fulfil a lifetime ambition of playing in the Premier League next season, after sealing promotion with Cherries.

The 27-year-old joined Scott Parker's side from Scottish giants Celtic on deadline day last summer, the Dorset club paying a fee of around £2.5million.

After a total of 39 games for Cherries in all competitions, during which he scored three times and registered eight assists, Inverness-born Christie is now set to feature at England's elite level after the club's second-placed Championship finish.

Asked how it felt to be called a Premier League player, the Cherries playmaker said: "It's really good. That was the whole reason I wanted to move down here – to try to get that success with the club.

"After a long league campaign, it has finally come to an end and we are successful, which is nice.

"This team of boys, since I came in, I have noticed how much they kind of believe. To be honest, we probably wanted it done before last Tuesday night (against Nottingham Forest), we were hoping it would be.

"But when you look back on it now in terms of that game being rescheduled and winning it here at Vitality, it all kind of fitted in nicely."

Christie arrived at Vitality Stadium having won two domestic trebles with Celtic. He drew some criticism from those north of the border for his switch to join Cherries from Parkhead.

Asked how rewarding it was to see his move pay off, the Scotland international said: "Listen, I said even two or three weeks into the move down I felt good. I liked the energy about the place and the squad of players – everyone was so determined for success.

"But it isn't until you get over that finishing line, you kind of look back and a lot of people in my family and stuff say now it's the right move.

"All my life I've wanted to play in the Premier League and hopefully next season I get that opportunity."

Describing the days between earning promotion last week, up to Saturday's season finale against Millwall, Christie said: "Very hazy, that's for sure! But it's been good. It's been amazing.

"Even in training on Friday, I know we were preparing for the game on Saturday, but we just felt the weight off everybody's shoulders around the whole place.

"Since last Tuesday night, we have been in dreamland to be honest."