ASTON Villa captain John McGinn heaped praise on Ryan Christie, labelling the Cherries ace “by far one of the best centre-mids in the league”.

McGinn was in direct competition with Christie in centre of the pitch last weekend, when Cherries were beaten 3-1 at Villa Park.

Christie was previously seen as a more attacking option, but has been repurposed as a deeper central midfielder for Cherries this season, under boss Andoni Iraola.

The 29-year-old has made that position his own, alongside Lewis Cook, starting 32 of the club’s 34 Premier League matches this season.

The former Celtic man, who signed a new contract in November, which runs until 2027, also featured in all six of Cherries’ cup matches, his overall tally this campaign reading 39 appearances, one goal and four assists. The other side of his game was also recently highlighted, with a league high for interceptions.

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Christie is set to head to the Euros this summer and feature alongside McGinn for Scotland, the pair having shared a pitch with each other 43 times already.

Asked how he found his midfield battle with Christie last weekend, McGinn told the Daily Echo: “I don’t really enjoy playing against my mates.

“He’s a top player. He’s been one of their best players this year.

“By far one of the best centre-mids in the league.

“So we knew it wasn’t going to be easy. Lewis Cook is a great player as well.

“But I’ve quite enjoyed the past couple of games playing with Youri (Tielemans).

“It felt really good in there.

“I’m glad I don’t need to play against my mates until Liverpool. But I’m sure when me and Robbo (Andrew Robertson) come up against each other, we’ll park our friendship until the end of the game.”

Since joining Cherries in the summer of 2021, Inverness-born Christie has played 114 times for the club, scoring six goals and providing 13 assists.

He is expected to retain his place in Cherries’ starting XI for Sunday’s visit of Brighton & Hove Albion to Vitality Stadium (2pm).