Christie wants to cap 'incredible season' with club and country

Ryan Christie is full of praise for his managers at Bournemouth and Scotland

Nations League play-off, second leg: Scotland v Greece (agg 1-0)

Venue: Hampden Park, Glasgow Date: Sunday, 23 March Kick-off: 17:00 GMT

Coverage: Watch on BBC Scotland, BBC Two Scotland & iPlayer; listen on BBC Radio Scotland & Sounds; live text coverage & in-play clips on the BBC Sport website & app

Ryan Christie says Scotland are "desperate" to keep their top-tier status in the Nations League and prove they belong among Europe's elite.

Steve Clarke's side won the first leg of their play-off against Greece on Thursday thanks to a first-half penalty from Napoli midfielder Scott McTominay.

Christie was absent in Piraeus through suspension, but the Bournemouth midfielder is likely to return for his 59th cap at Hampden on Sunday and wants to finish the job his teammates started.

"It's something we're desperate to do," he told BBC Scotland. "Obviously we know it brings tougher challenges against harder teams. But, for the most part of the group campaign, I thought we matched everybody in every single game.

"This group has been together for a few years now, but the ambition of everybody is still as high as ever. We want to keep pushing.

"Obviously this would set us up amazingly going into the World Cup qualifiers if we could maintain the Group A status. It gives us belief that we belong with the rest of the top teams in Europe."

Christie revealed he watched the first leg anxiously at home but saw enough to believe Scotland can go up a gear or two in front of their own fans.

"I hate watching games when you can't be a part of it," he said. "I was just sitting on the couch toe-tapping the whole time. But the boys did brilliantly, an amazing result.

"They're a dangerous side and good players that can definitely hurt us. But I think we'll probably be looking to dominate the ball a little bit more, especially at home. And, with that, we can hopefully create more too."

Scotland at 'different level' under Clarke

Despite playing through a "frustrating" groin issue for much of this season, Christie has shone for Andoni Iraola's Bournemouth in the Premier League.

The Cherries are 10th in England's top flight, with Christie scoring two goals and contributing three assists from a deeper-lying midfield role.

"It's been a couple of seasons now that I've played that position, so I feel like I'm a bit more used to it now," the 30-year-old said. "Obviously, we've had an incredible season so far.

"Everybody's stepping up and really producing amazing football. It's pretty special to be a part of it at club level."

His performances have resulted in plaudits from fans and pundits alike, but the former Celtic man is not letting it go to his head.

"I've come to a stage in my career now, a bit older, where I've learned the lessons of trying not to get too high and trying not to be too low," he said.

"Obviously, it's certainly better hearing that stuff than going the other way. So I'm definitely not complaining."

Christie has credited much of his development as a player on the south coast to Iraola and has revealed he sees similar traits between the Spaniard and national head coach Steve Clarke, who he would love to see stay on beyond his current contract.

"I think everybody's absolutely loved his tenure so far," Christie said of Clarke. "He's been massive in terms of the success we've had.

"When you look back to where we were then and where we are now, it's just complete chalk and cheese.

"I put that down mostly to him in terms of many aspects, the way we're playing, the belief he gives us, the facilities we now train at, the hotels, everything pieced together.

"He's just taken us to a different level."