CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe urged Joe Quigley to remain positive after a serious knee injury cut short the striker's loan spell at Gillingham.

Lymington-raised Quigley damaged his anterior cruciate ligament in the closing stages of the Gills' 2-1 win over Bury earlier this month.

It was initially feared the 19-year-old frontman – who had been due to stay at Priestfield until January – would be ruled out for the rest of the season.

However, following a detailed examination by Cherries medical staff, it was discovered he had suffered a partial, rather than total, rupture of the ligament.

Quigley subsequently stated on Twitter that he expected to return to action before the end of the campaign.

Had he remained fit, the striker would have been in contention to make the Republic of Ireland Under-21s squad ahead of clashes with Slovenia and Serbia next month.

Ireland Under-21s boss Noel King admitted he had hoped to work with the teenager, who has yet to make his debut on the international stage.

Reflecting on Quigley's situation, Howe told the Daily Echo: “I was really sad when I heard the news.

“It’s a difficult one for him. He was where he needed to be. He was playing games and getting experience of the Football League.

“He’s a very talented guy. He’s a big lad with real aerial presence but is also very good technically as well.

“He’ll get the support from us to nurse him back to full fitness and, hopefully, he’ll look back on this as a turning point in his career for the positive.

“Sometimes it can make players stronger. I think it all comes down to how you react to the challenge.

“The thing for Joe is to approach it in a positive way and sometimes you come back different but better for it.”

Quigley came off the bench to make his Football League debut during Gillingham’s 3-1 win at Southend on the opening day of the season.

He subsequently started in the League Cup as the Kent outfit repeated the scoreline against the Shrimpers at Roots Hall.