TEAM-mate Andrew Surman feels confidence has been the key for talented Cherries winger Jordon Ibe following a string of eye-catching performances.

Ibe has been instrumental in Cherries' five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League and netted his first goal for the club in the historic 2-1 win over Arsenal.

The 22-year-old, a £15million signing from Liverpool in July 2016, endured a difficult first 12 months with Cherries and was subbed either on or off in his first 29 games in the top flight.

However, having started to show signs of his undoubted potential, he has made five 90-minute appearances in their past seven games and has been one of the first names on the team-sheet.

And vice-captain Surman believes the Londoner, capped by England at every level between under-18 and under-21, is starting to reap the rewards of his hard work.

Surman told the Daily Echo: “I think confidence is a big factor.

"Sometimes when players are not playing with confidence that can be quite detrimental to their performance.

"You can be someone with a lot of ability, but if you haven’t got the confidence to show it then it is very difficult.

"I think he is looking confident at the moment and Jordon Ibe with confidence is a very dangerous player.

“We know how much quality Jordon has. He has showed that day in, day out in training and in the games he has played.

“If he can do that on a consistent basis, it is going to be massive for the team and he has so much ability, so much potential.

"If he keeps working hard I’m sure he will be a big player for us."

Ibe and Surman could be in line to feature when Cherries face Chelsea at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.