EDDIE Howe believes youngster Matt Worthington is at "the beginning of a long journey" after making his Cherries debut at the end of last season.

The 19-year-old midfielder made his first appearance in the Premier League when he replaced Ryan Fraser with 16 minutes remaining at Leicester on the final day.

And Worthington played his part in keeping out the 2015-16 top-flight champions in the closing stages as Cherries earned a 1-1 draw.

His outing at King Power Stadium capped a memorable season for the former academy player, who agreed a contract extension in January and led Cherries under-21s in the Hampshire Senior Cup final at the beginning of May.

And Cherries boss Howe hopes Worthington has many highlights to come.

Howe told the Daily Echo: "He has a great attitude and wants to do well, wants to learn and has all the characteristics of a Bournemouth midfielder.

"I'm delighted for any player who fights their way through to get an opportunity in the Premier League, something which no one can take away from them.

"I thought he did well against Leicester. I'm sure his debut was a proud moment for him and his family and the end of a long journey but really, the beginning of a long journey because you would like that to be a first taste of what could be a good career.

"Whenever a player comes through the youth system, there is a body of people who have worked with that player, developed that player and spent a lot of time with him.

"It's always nice to give players that opportunity."