RYAN Christie described pre-season under Andoni Iraola as a “dream”, likening Cherries’ new style of play to what he was used to at Celtic.

The Scot has featured in all four friendlies so far this summer, playing in various midfield roles.

Christie, who is entering the final year his contract, has made 75 appearances for Cherries since joining from Celtic in August 2021.

Discussing life under new boss Iraola, Christie told the Daily Echo: “Every manager I’ve worked under has obviously had their different twists on pre-season. The one thing that’s always a constant is it’s bloody hard!

“That doesn’t seem to change, year in, year out. But he’s been great to be fair.

“There’s been a lot of football, there’s not been too much on the line running. It’s hard work, but it’s football-based. That’s my kind of dream.

“I think myself and the boys have been buzzing off that.”

Asked how he is finding adjustment to the different tactical ideas from Iraola, Christie added: “It’s been great, to be fair. I think all the boys are really good at taking information on board and buying into it 100 per cent, which will definitely help.

“The stuff that he’s putting forward is good stuff. It’s high press and possession-based, all stuff that if you’re a footballer, you want to be a part of, so it’s easy to buy into.”

Put to him his high-energy playing style is perfectly suited to the new tactics, Christie said: “I don’t know how long that will last in my legs, running around there, I’ve got a couple more years of that I think!

“But it’s been good, especially high press. I’ve played in a few teams now, obviously at Celtic most of the time you play in a high press, so I’m pretty used to it from then.

“Away with Scotland, there’s a few games now where we choose the high press as well.

“It’s obviously something I enjoy, especially if you’re winning the ball high up the park, closer to the opposition goal, there’s more chance of you scoring more goals and being a more attacking side.

“So it’s something I’ve always favoured and I’m hoping I can do the same and bring that this season.”

He added: “It’s been brilliant. The boys, to be fair, are very good at buying into the manager’s style.

“Everybody wants to be successful and everyone wants to buy into what he’s bringing to the club. From the looks of it, everyone is picking it up and is ready to go.”

Christie, who battled his way back into Cherries’ starting XI by the end of last season, is part of a Scotland side well on their way to Euro 2024 qualification, while off the pitch he has recently become a new father for the first time.

“I can’t complain, to be honest, touch wood. It’s been great,” he said.

“There’s always an excitement going into the season a new season as well.

“Scotland is good as well, so hopefully keep up club form and I’ll get another selection in September and hopefully carry the run on with the country as well. It’s all looking positive for now.”