RYAN Christie admitted “competition is tight for places” as he battles to try and win a spot back in Cherries’ starting XI.

Prior to the January transfer window closing, Christie had featured in 18 of Cherries’ 20 Premier League matches, starting 12.

However, the Scotland international has found game-time tougher to come by in recent weeks, following the arrivals of the likes of Dango Ouattara, Hamed Traore and Antoine Semenyo into attacking areas.

The 28-year-old’s competition is set to increase further with Marcus Tavernier and David Brooks both battling back to full fitness.

Christie’s last start came in the 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest on January 21. Since, he has played just 57 minutes of football for his club and been an unused substitute on four occasions, including the 3-0 loss at Aston Villa last time out.

“Especially after January, we’ve put together a real, solid squad of 23 or 24 players now, when everyone is fit,” Christie told the Daily Echo, when asked about his drop in game-time.

“Competition is tight for places, everyone is training well. That will only help us going into this massive run that we have to try and be successful in this league.”

He added: “I think everybody has kind of got their own strengths throughout the squad.

“I’m sure we’ll all play our own part at certain times in the season.

“I think everybody in the squad is fully focussed to try and help between now and the end of the season.”

Christie is currently away on international duty with Scotland and helped them to a 3-0 win over Cyprus in their opening Euro 2024 qualifier over the weekend.

The former Celtic man will hope to feature again, against Spain in Glasgow on Tuesday evening.

He will then hope to get a chance for Cherries, at home against Fulham on Saturday (3pm).