STRIKER Jayden Stockley knows his Cherries career could be in the last chance saloon and admits: “The ball is in my court.”

The 21-year-old signed fresh terms at Dean Court last week before being immediately loaned out to League Two Portsmouth until January.

Having been handed his senior debut by boss Eddie Howe at the age of 16, Stockley last appeared for Cherries in March 2012 and has played 83 matches while on loan at six different clubs since.

And while he acknowledges his new one-year deal may have raised a few eyebrows, the Poole-born frontman is determined to bag himself a place in Howe’s long-term plans.

Stockley told the Daily Echo: “There were other options but I have built some great relationships at Bournemouth and they wanted to offer me a deal. As soon as that happened, it was the only thing in my mind.

“My plan is to take the six-month loan, attack it aggressively and evaluate where I am in January. The way I see it, anything can happen.

“I have been at Bournemouth a long time now. I know they are waiting for me to fulfil my potential and have this one good season where I hit it off and return to play a part.

“That is a while off at the moment but despite what people think, I am still young. Hopefully, I can mature into a role with the club as I get older and a bit wiser.

“I have never given up on playing for Bournemouth. It was always a great honour to represent the club and I hope I can wear the shirt again.

“If I don’t, then I will have to make the best of it but I am determined to make it happen. For now, my mind is fixed on my job at Portsmouth, this is another chapter I have to go through but putting in good performances will stand me in good stead.

“I know there are certain things I have to do this season and this could be the last year for me to really go at it.

“The ball is in my court. It is down to me to try to nail down something in the manager’s plans and hopefully, I can start making a name for myself this season.”

Stockley acknowledged his lengthy pursuit of first-team action, coupled with mixed experiences during his loan spells, had taken its toll but was quick to laud the support of Cherries under-21 coach Stephen Purches during the dark times.

“Mentally, it has been a challenge to keep going and Stephen Purches has been absolutely fantastic,” he added.

“He is a big believer in my ability and constantly challenges me to prove myself and thrive. He has had a massive impact on my career and I owe him a lot.”