Derek McInnes revealed that he would love to keep on-loan Celtic attacker Ryan Christie at Aberdeen beyond this season.
The Dons boss explained that it’s too early for the club to decide whether they will attempt to take the attacking midfielder on loan again or try and sign him on a permanent basis instead.
Christie has been a standout player for Aberdeen this season, scoring five goals and supplying eight assists from 25 matches, and McInnes commented on how much he likes the 22-year-old at the club.
“I am enjoying working with both Ryan and Greg (Stewart, on loan from Birmingham City), so if there were any encouragement or opportunity to extend that working period with them it is something I would always be keen on,” said the Aberdeen manager, as quoted by the Daily Record.
Christie is currently on his second loan spell with Aberdeen, which is set to finish at the end of the season.
The 22-year-old has made just 13 appearances for Celtic so far in his career, and only contracted to the club until 2019.
OPINION
Christie is promising prospect, who is now good enough to be given an opportunity, at the very least, in the Hoops first team. However, with his contract relatively close to finishing, the Bhoys might opt to cash in. Aberdeen currently don’t have the funds to conduct much January transfer business, but their situation could change in the Summer. It would be a shame to see a highly-rated 22-year-old depart the Bhoys without them seeing the best of him, but depending on the offer, it might be worth it. Celtic really need to start making signings that help improve their prospect in European, as the Scottish Premier League continues to go well for them, and Christie’s sale could help that.