CONNOR Mahoney revealed the chance to play for Eddie Howe was the determining factor in his decision to join Cherries – and insisted “I trust him with my career”.

The 20-year-old signed a four-year deal at Vitality Stadium this week after his contract at boyhood favourites Blackburn Rovers had expired.

Skilful winger Mahoney admitted the prospect of creating goals for Jermain Defoe had left him in dreamland.

And despite initially joining up with Cherries under-21s, he is aiming to turn that scenario into reality sooner rather than later.

Mahoney told the Daily Echo: “There were a few other clubs interested but as soon as I heard Bournemouth wanted me, with the chance to work under the gaffer here – it was an easy decision.

“He's one of the best managers around. I trust him with my career and, hopefully, he can help me to the next step.

“It's massive for me to be working under a manager who gives young talent a chance – that's what we need."

Mahoney played for Accrington Stanley in League Two as a 16-year-old, before being spirited away by Blackburn in December 2013.

A Rovers fanatic, he made his Ewood Park breakthrough last season, starting three crucial matches late in the campaign as new manager Tony Mowbray – Mahoney’s fourth boss in his three-and-a-half years at the club – oversaw a stirring but, ultimately, futile attempt to secure Championship survival.

“My family are all Blackburn fans and I am as well,” said Mahoney. “But you have to make the best move for your career. I didn’t think staying at Blackburn now would be the best move.

“But I wish them all the best. I'll be watching and hoping they come straight back up.

“I've played in some big games – and every game here is a big one. It'll be a tough challenge but it's one I'm looking forward to.

“I want to excite fans, get people off their seats and give them value for their money. Every time I get the ball I look to create things and that's what I'll continue to do.

“Jermain Defoe coming here was a big carrot for me. He's one of the best strikers in the country. For me to potentially be playing on the wing and putting balls in for him to score is something I could only have dreamed about.”

Mahoney also pointed to Nathan Ake's move to Cherries as motivation for him to follow suit.

“Nathan Ake is a £20million player from Chelsea and clearly thought this was the best step for him,” added Mahoney.

“If he could make that choice, there was no reason I couldn’t.

“I know I'm one of the youngest players here, but if you're good enough, you're old enough. The gaffer has said that to me. I want to give him a selection headache on the wing.

“I will work hard, try to improve and, hopefully, I can be the first name on the team-sheet as soon as possible.”