RYAN Fraser revealed he had pleaded with Eddie Howe to let him turn out for Cherries in the Central League – just days after winning his second cap for Scotland.

Winger Fraser swapped Pittodrie for Canford Arena when he lined up in Cherries’ eventful 5-4 victory over Plymouth today.

The 23-year-old, who came off the bench for the final 17 minutes of the Tartan Army’s 1-0 defeat by Holland six days ago, said he had been desperate to get some much-needed game time under his belt.

Fraser has not featured for Cherries in the Premier League since coming on as an 88th-minute substitute in the 0-0 draw with Leicester in September while his last start in the top flight was in the 2-1 win over Brighton nine weeks ago.

Although the Aberdonian has been troubled by a hamstring injury recently, he did play his part in wins over Brighton and Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup.

Fraser was expected to be given a first-half run-out against the Pilgrims but was replaced 10 minutes from time after Howe, who looked on from the sidelines, had given his blessing to him staying on.

“I asked the gaffer after the Scotland game if I was allowed to play because I hadn’t played for so long,” said Fraser.

“Straight away, he said no so I came in on Monday and did a bit of training before doing the full session yesterday.

“The gaffer then phoned me after training and told me I was playing, my legs were in bits!”

He added: “I haven’t played a lot this season and haven’t played the past few games, not even a minute, so it was good to get out there. It was good for me to get the rustiness out.

“I knew I wasn’t going to come in and go flying, I just wanted to get on the ball and get my confidence back.

“You do a lot in training but, the moment you go on the pitch, it is completely different and you need the game scenario to do your thing.

“When I have played, I haven’t done well and it is hard when your confidence is low.

“I just need to get back to doing what I do. When I get to that stage, I just need a little boost in confidence and I’ll be back to being a good player again.”

Mikael Ndjoli’s double sandwiched a goal from Jaidon Anthony as Cherries reached the break leading 3-0.

And although Ruben Lameiras pulled one back early in the second half, Cherries quickly restored their three-goal advantage thanks to Emerson Hyndman’s deft finish.

But Alex Fletcher’s brace and a Gregg Wylde effort – all three goals coming in the space of 17 minutes – saw the visitors level at 4-4.

And after Plymouth defender Jakub Sokolik had been sent off for picking up a second yellow card, Frankie Vincent’s composed finish won the day for Cherries, who had two late let-offs when Fletcher and Antoni Sarcevic both hit the woodwork.

Cherries: Holmes, Goode (Ofoboroh, 73), Morrison, Hobson, Cordner, Hyndman (Taylor, 60), Fraser (Diaz, 80), Vincent, Ndjoli, Sherring, Anthony (O’Connell, 60). Unused sub: Stewart (g/k).