Cherries: Fraser determined to settle more than 500 miles from home (From Bournemouth Echo)

Cherries: Fraser determined to settle more than 500 miles from home

5:11pm Monday 21st January 2013 in Cherries News By Neil Perrett

NEW BOY: Ryan Fraser at Dean Court this afternoon

BOSS Eddie Howe admits settling on the south coast will be a “challenge” for Ryan Fraser but is backing the Cherries family to help the teenager avoid any homesickness issues.

Fraser is currently residing in a Bournemouth hotel after uprooting from his home in Aberdeen to sign for Cherries last week.

And while more than 560 miles separate the Scottish city from the Dorset town, Howe is confident the 18-year-old will take the move in his stride.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “As a young man moving a long way from home, it is going to be a challenge for him. But he has a very good family behind him and his parents are very involved in his career. They want what is best for him and his agent is certainly the same.

“I think he has got a good team behind him and, hopefully, we can help him settle. As we know, Bournemouth is a great area and we have got a really good team in the changing room that will help him.

“Hopefully, it (homesickness) will not be an issue. I certainly think it can’t be underestimated and there may be a period of adjustment. But, once the supporters see him, hopefully, they will be as excited as we are about the signing.”

Fraser said: “I will obviously miss my family and friends but I had to make the move to try to improve me as a player. I just want to focus and settle and play my heart out for Bournemouth.

“I used to live in Oman when I was younger but have always played in Scotland. My dad used to work offshore so my mum took care of me in Oman. It was a lot hotter there than in Bournemouth!

Fraser, who attended a Scotland under-19 training camp with Cherries midfielder Josh Carmichael earlier this month, has been named in a squad for a friendly against Holland in Veenendall on February 6. Both countries have qualified for the European Under-19 Championship elite round later this year.

Cherries are today still awaiting international clearance for Fraser ahead of tomorrow night's League One clash at Hartlepool.