RYAN CHRISTIE insists promotion to the Premier League has vindicated his decision to leave Celtic and join Bournemouth last summer.

The Scotland internationalist was criticised by some for tuning his back on the Hoops last August in favour of a move to the English Championship.

But the 27-year-old has played an integral part in ensuring the Cherries are headed back to the top-flight two years after being relegated.

The former Inverness Caley Thistle attacker has made 36 league starts since his transfer deadline-day switch and was again a key performer as Scott Parker’s side sealed promotion with their 1-0 victory over Nottingham Forest last Tuesday.

He said: “Listen, I said even two or three weeks into the move down [that] 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.”

He added to the Bournemouth Daily Echo: “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.”