HE MIGHT be the Premier League’s most diminutive figure but Cherries winger Ryan Fraser has a huge heart when it comes to friends and family.

As an 18-year-old, Fraser took the life-changing decision to leave home town club Aberdeen and make the 600-mile journey south to Dean Court.

Having never lived away before, homesickness was a concern for the young wide man. But with the help of boss Eddie Howe and a caring family on the end of the phone, his move paid massive dividends.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo last month, the Scotland international revealed how manager Howe had helped him away from football, as well as boosting his morale on the field.

Going further into detail about what his manager had done, the 23-year-old told the Daily Echo: “He sometimes helps me with what I am dealing with in my life, family-wise.

“I struggle with not seeing my family and feeling homesick. I have been down here more than four and a half years and I haven’t really got to see them.

“With my nan and grandad, everyone is getting older. When I go back I see the differences and it’s hard but he tries to help me through it.

“I had never lived away from home before and I haven’t really looked back. I have maybe gone back up about five or six times. I don’t really go home during the season.

“The manager let me have time off with a couple more days to see my family, which was nice. There is a trust. I am not going to go up there and go partying and stuff like that.

“He knows it’s for family reasons so, as long as I keep fit and do the right things while I am up there, there is no doubt he will let me do it again.”

In a recent feature published in the club’s programme, Fraser said his father had been instrumental in him becoming a professional footballer.

And while having a Premier League player in the family is something those close to the winger can be proud of, Fraser admitted his wellbeing is their main priority.

“They support what I do,” he added. “They can’t really get down much because they have their jobs but they always phone.

“They don’t really care about the football. If I am healthy and fit that is all they care about.

“Even at 18 I wasn’t really mature, so for them to see how far I have come is positive. It is good for them to see that.”

Fraser has racked up 38 appearances in the Premier League having made his top-flight debut against West Ham at the start of last season.

Add in a first senior international cap for Scotland against England in June and the winger’s career has continued to develop like one of his forward runs – at a rapid pace.

But the former Ipswich Town loan ace is certain he has not let stardom go to his head and says he is more than happy to cover the occasional bill.

Asked whether he felt his friends would say he had changed since forging a career at Cherries, Fraser replied: “No, I am quite level-headed, so I wouldn’t say so.

“I try to offer to buy them meals if we go out but I am still the same person.

“Of course they let me pay, they don’t normally get a starter but they will get a starter if I’m paying!”

Fuelled by support from those north of the border, the winger has enjoyed a run of form which has seen him feature more prominently in Cherries’ recent top-flight fixtures.

Strong performances against Southampton, Crystal Palace and Manchester United led to boss Howe indicating Fraser was back to his best after a difficult start to the campaign.

“He is saying positive things about me, which gives me confidence. I just need to kick on now,” added Fraser.

“I think my all-round game is a little bit better than last season.

“Against Manchester United, I was even trying to dictate play as well, so my confidence is high.”