RICHARD Hughes believes wing wizard Ryan Fraser has the match-winning magic to unlock defences for Cherries.

Experienced midfielder Hughes is tipping his teenage team-mate for a bright future after watching him shine during training at Dean Court.

Fraser, 19, was snapped up on a three-and-a-half-year deal after Cherries boss Eddie Howe had swooped to complete a £300,000 deal last month.

Signed from Aberdeen, the promising Scottish prospect saw the start of his Cherries career delayed due to a hip injury after joining the Dorset club.

However, he caught the eye during a brief debut appearance against Sheffield United on Saturday and could feature against Coventry tonight.

Former Premier League ace Hughes, 33, has been impressed by what he has seen of his compatriot so far.

The ex-Pompey man told the Daily Echo: “He is the sort of player that is a nightmare to play against, especially if you are built like me and not the quickest at turning when he gets at you. He is capable of beating anyone and getting people out of their seats.

“He is the sort of player that fans will want to come and watch because he has got that ability to take on players and do the hard bit and exciting bit in a game like dribbling past people and making something happen.

“In his cameo on Saturday, he looked lively and as if he would create something for us. As he continues to train after his injury and continues to find his feet, I think he will be a real asset to us and provide us with something that every team needs.

“We have got a few players with in the squad that can beat a man and take someone on but those are your difference-makers and match-winners. I believe those players in the game are the ones that will, maybe, propel you to the next level to win you games.

“It is up to the more defensive-minded players within the squad to put those players on a platform to achieve that.”

Former Scotland manager Craig Brown, Fraser’s boss at Aberdeen, previously mentioned the gifted 5ft 4in wide man alongside two of the country’s footballing heroes of yesteryear – Jimmy Johnstone and Willie Henderson.

Hughes added: “He is someone I had heard a bit about. I know a few people up north and my dad scouts in the game.

“He had seen him play a few times and said what a good signing it was, as did the people I speak to up north.

“I understand he comes with a reputation and it is easy to see why from the past couple of weeks in training.”