STAR striker Callum Wilson thanked boyhood club Coventry City for their part in his rapid rise from non-league to Premier League.

In January 2012, the Cherries hotshot was plying his trade in the Conference with a loan spell at Tamworth before shooting to prominence with the Sky Blues.

Following a big-money move to Dean Court over the summer, Wilson has notched 20 league goals during a prolific maiden campaign in the Championship.

Reacting to Cherries' historic promotion to the top flight, Wilson told the Daily Echo: “Words cannot describe the feeling you get. This is such a big moment in my career and my life.

“I have so many people to thank at Coventry because they gave me an opportunity to play and when Bournemouth came in, they let me go.

“Being a Coventry boy, they did everything they could to help push on my career and I will always be grateful to them for that.

“I owe a lot to the gaffer here (Cherries), and to the club, for giving me the chance to prove and express myself at a higher level.”

Wilson, dubbed the ‘Cov kid’ during his time with City, added: “A lot of people comment on ‘little old Bournemouth’ but I don’t think that really applies any more. We have shown what a great team we have.

“I always dreamed of playing in the Premier League and believed in my ability, I’m just delighted this has happened so quickly.”