McQuoid: I'll show Cherries fans my flair (From Bournemouth Echo)

McQuoid: I'll show Cherries fans my flair

7:00am Wednesday 10th March 2010 in

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ALTHOUGH Josh McQuoid probably feels like part of the furniture, he has also become far too familiar with the bench.

With 43 of his 60 appearances having come as a substitute, McQuoid knows he has taken a while to find his feet since graduating from the Cherries youth ranks.

Now in his seventh season with the club, he made his league debut as a substitute three years ago before being handed his first start 12 months later.

His liking for the month of March continued when he turned in the best display of his fledgling career during Cherries’ 1-0 win over Morecambe on Saturday.

“I have never had a run in the side and have always played a bit part,” said the 20-year-old.

“I haven’t really shown what I can do on a regular basis and know I need to produce in every game.

“As I am more of a flair player, I need to produce crosses, shots and that final ball. I’ve been working hard on my game in training and feel as though I’m improving.

“Sometimes, I feel I’ve been trying too hard so I’ve been working on relaxing on the ball and making sure I do the simple things right first.”

McQuoid has experienced more than most of his age since former boss Kevin Bond elevated him to the pro ranks in the summer of 2008.

But the Northern Ireland under-21 international knows his chances probably would have been even more limited if he had been anywhere else.

“I’ve been through a lot already and, hopefully, we can add promotion to that list this season,” said McQuoid.

“In a way, the money troubles probably helped me get my chance when I was younger. If the squad had been bigger, it may have been more difficult. This is a good club for a young player.”

Having come through the youth ranks alongside his fellow Priestlands School team-mate Sam Vokes, McQuoid has played second fiddle to Liam Feeney for much of this season.

“We’re different players,” said McQuoid. “But I look at how well Liam has done since he’s been here and try to learn from him.

“He’s a good player but I think we can play in the same team together. We can both play on either side. Liam has proved himself week in, week out and that’s what I’ve got to do.”

With his contract up in the summer, McQuoid knows his Morecambe masterclass must become a regular occurrence.

He added: “I’ve been in and out of the team for a while and have never really shown what I’m about. I’ve tried to add things to my game and feel I’m more of a team player now.

“I like it here and want to stay. The contract is in the back of my mind but I’m just concentrating on playing and trying to make sure I do well when I’m in the side.”