ASSISTANT boss Steve Fletcher believes coveted Cherries striker Danny Ings would be well advised to continue his footballing education at Dean Court.

Fletcher’s comments came after Ings was linked with a dream move to the Premier League – with Fulham one of three top-flight clubs tracking him.

The Londoners this week had a bid for the young forward rejected by chairman Eddie Mitchell.

Ings has been monitored by a host of clubs since bursting on to the scene during the second half of last season when he helped Cherries reach the League One play-offs.

The 18-year-old, who is under contract to Cherries until 2013, turned in a series of eye-catching displays and scored eight times for Lee Bradbury’s men.

Fletcher told the Daily Echo: “It would be an understatement to say he has come on in leaps and bounds. He has come a very long way in a short space of time.

“He only came into the team halfway through the season and, for someone so young, he has taken a lot on board in six months.

“We knew he had scouts watching him and then the speculation surfaced about him being linked with Premier League clubs.

“He is the type of player who is going to have people looking at him because of his age, his capabilities and everything he does on the pitch. That’s the nature of the beast and it is good for him.

“In my opinion, he needs to stay with us for at least another year or two. He needs to get more experience under his belt and develop. If he keeps progressing at the same rate, there would be even more interest in him.”

Fletcher, who played alongside Ings on a handful of occasions last season, added: “Danny is a level-headed lad and a good listener.

“Being linked with Premier League clubs is a lot to take on board whether you are 18 or 28. I am sure Danny will take it in his stride.

“If he stays with us for another couple of years and keeps progressing, he would be better equipped if he were to move on to bigger things.

“I am sure he will be well advised by those close to him as to what is best for his future development and career.

“As far as we are concerned, he has just got to keep his head down, get on with his work and do what he does best.”