JOE: LET ME SHOW WHAT I CAN DO

7:00am Tuesday 13th May 2008

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By Ian Wadley »

PROMISING talent Joe Partington has pledged to give "everything I've got" as he bids to make a success of life in League Two.

Cherries last week handed the Welsh under-19 captain a professional contract after he impressed during his apprenticeship.

The central midfielder, who admitted he was "chuffed to bits" to be taken on full-time by the Dean Court outfit, was promoted to the senior ranks along with fellow youth team graduates Ryan Pryce and Josh McQuoid.

And he is now fully focused on showcasing his attributes.

"I want to show people what I can do," Portsmouth-born Partington told the Daily Echo.

"I can play and I'll work hard and give everything I've got. I've just got to do my best and see what happens."

Partington has already made an impact in Kevin Bond's first-team, having scored in Cherries' dramatic, last-gasp victory at Swansea City last month.

And the 18-year-old, who joined Cherries after being released by Pompey, paid tribute to the club's head of youth Joe Roach.

He said: "Joe Roach is a massive, massive influence. In everything I do, he's watching me and he has played a big part in the two years. If I was to thank anyone, it would mostly be Joe."

Roach is hoping to see Partington build a good future for himself after overseeing an excellent year for the Cherries youth department, in which the emergence of homegrown striker Sam Vokes provided a major plus point for the club.

"Joe's very determined and he has a good attitude, which is important," said Roach.

"He's got good strengths and, if he works on his strengths, that will stand him in good stead for what we hope will be a prolonged career in professional football.

"He doesn't give the ball away, he has scored and, when I saw him play for Wales, he didn't complicate his game. He's been excellent to work with.

"It's exciting times for him and for the youth department to have him and three other players elevated from the same group.

"I think it's great to see that number of players promoted from within and it's testament to the work being done by the different personnel."