CHERRIES loan star Scott Malone has revealed how a heart-to-heart with boss Lee Bradbury helped him go from zero to hero in the space of a week.

Malone has experienced fluctuating fortunes since arriving at the Seward Stadium from Premier League Wolves at the start of the season.

A combination of niggling injuries and indifferent form saw him restricted to 12 appearances in the first 18 games – after he had marked his arrival with a stunning goal in a pre-season friendly against Cardiff.

Despite returning to full fitness last month, Malone found himself kicking his heels after losing his place to Warren Cummings.

However, after watching Cherries’ 2-1 defeat by Bury from a seat in the Main Stand on October 22, Malone was recalled for the midweek trip to Colchester.

The 20-year-old, predominantly a left-back, showed his versatility by turning in an impressive display after filling in on the left-hand side of midfield.

And Malone kept his place for Saturday’s trip to Preston where he capped another encouraging showing by scoring his first goal for the club.

He told the Daily Echo: “It is football and you can have off weeks. I had a couple of injuries and wasn’t right mentally either.

“I had a chat with the gaffer and he said I needed to up my game. I think I have done that in the past two games and, hopefully, I can carry on playing well.

“He knows what I can do and the goal against Cardiff in pre-season is my bar. I know I dipped below that but think I am back and need to stay there now.

“It is more luck than anything else that I am playing left midfield but I will play anywhere for the gaffer. As long as I am in the team, I am not fussed where I play. Hopefully, I can make the position my own and keep the wingers out when everybody is fit.”

Malone, whose agreement runs until January 7, netted Cherries’ second goal at Deepdale to take his career tally to two after also scoring during a loan spell at Burton Albion last season.

He added: “The gaffer and the lads have said that, with my pace and ability, I should be scoring more goals. The goal against Preston was similar to the one I scored for Burton and it was great to get my first for Bournemouth.

“We know what the supporters expect from us and our away form has been good. We have shown we can beat anybody if we apply ourselves correctly. We applied ourselves really well in the second half against Preston and got in their faces. It was a great win and now we need to build on it.”