CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe expressed his delight after rising star Baily Cargill had become the latest product of the Dean Court conveyor belt to make his Football League debut.

Cargill starred at the back as Torquay kept alive their hopes of avoiding the drop to the Conference with a 2-1 win over fellow League Two strugglers Bristol Rovers on Saturday.

The 18-year-old, who came through the Cherries youth ranks after being unearthed by Joe Roach during his first spell at the club, was handed his first start by the Gulls after recovering from a groin injury.

Defender Cargill last month reunited with former Cherries coach Chris Hargreaves at Plainmoor when he joined Torquay on loan for the rest of the season.

And Howe, who rewarded the teenager for his progress with a two-and-a-half year contract in November, said he hoped the move would be the making of the teenager.

Howe, who made his Cherries debut as an 18-year-old, told the Daily Echo: “It is great for Baily and a memorable occasion for him. The loan system is all about giving young players an opportunity to perform in the Football League so fair play to him and Chris Hargreaves.”

Cargill, who starred during a loan spell with Conference outfit Welling United earlier this season, took to Twitter on Saturday and posted: “Wow what a feeling! So pleased to have made my professional league debut, capped it off with a win as well.”

Hargreaves, who worked with Cargill during his 18 months at Dean Court, told the Daily Echo: "Baily was really good considering the game. He handled the physical side really well and was good with the ball.

"He is a top lad and is going to be a really good player providing he keeps focused and keeps working hard. He has always been a pleasure to coach."

The youngster will be hoping to keep his place when Torquay host Dagenham & Redbridge on Good Friday before travelling to Devon rivals Exeter City on Easter Monday. The Gulls are currently seven points adrift at the foot of the table with four games remaining.

Meanwhile, Cherries have released development squad trio Samir Bihmoutine, Chad Collins and Lewis Lindsay after their contracts were cancelled by mutual consent.