STRIKER Jayden Stockley revealed his desire to earn a new deal with Cherries had been the decisive factor in cutting short his loan spell at Cambridge United.

The 21-year-old frontman, whose one-year contract expires in the summer, had been due to stay with the League Two club until January having signed a temporary deal in August.

Stockley began his stint at the Abbey Stadium with a bang having netted twice from the bench in a 5-0 thumping of Carlisle but found his opportunities limited to one start and a total of 135 minutes of action across four appearances.

He returned to Dorset last month and required permission from the Football League to play competitive football for the second string prior to netting a hat-trick in an 8-3 thumping of Cambridge on Tuesday.

Stockley remains ineligible for first-team action until his loan ends but feels he is best placed to play his way into boss Eddie Howe’s long-term plans by rattling in goals for Stephen Purches’s side.

On the reasons behind the sudden end to his loan, Stockley told the Daily Echo: “With my deal being up in the summer I had to be selfish.

“I went there and scored two on my debut but still found my chances limited with the number of strikers they had so I had to think of myself.

“I need to earn playing time to hopefully get myself another contract and try to better myself. It was my decision to come back.

"For whatever reason, it did not work out. The advice from the club was to come back and I know I can only benefit from training with Purchy.

"The standard here is brilliant and I can learn a lot more about the Bournemouth way of playing which can sometimes get lost when you go somewhere else.”

Stockley continued: “It is good to be back and in a routine. I feel as fit as I have done for a long time.

“I have done a lot of work with Purchy and the fitness coaches all season. I was in the best possible condition when I went out on loan and have come back in the same shape. I feel like I am at my peak.

“First and foremost, I want the club to do well and it is great to see the team achieving what they are at the moment.

“It is up to me to raise my game and put in the performances and score goals week after week to knock on the door.

“When it comes to decision time over the summer, I need to give myself the best possible chance to earn something.

“Come January, when I can play first-team football again, I need to be in the best possible condition and form to hopefully stake a claim for first-team football whether that is here or out on loan.

“I definitely feel like I am getting closer (to the first team at Cherries). I am more confident now and feel like I have matured into my role.

“Before, I did not feel completely sure about what I was doing and this step backwards has benefited me to hopefully step up and have a long career in the game.”