EMERSON Hyndman admits a lack of playing time at Cherries "was a problem" before he decided to make the loan switch to Atlanta United.

The 23-year-old moved to Vitality Stadium in 2016 from Fulham, but has made just eight appearances for Eddie Howe's first team.

Since arriving, Hyndman has spent loan spells away at Rangers and Hibernian, before making the move to MLS champions Atlanta, who have the option to buy the midfielder in December.

The American's last appearance for Cherries came in the 3-3 draw with Southampton in April, just his second Premier League outing.

Speaking to MLSsoccer.com, Hyndman said: "I grew up at Fulham, it was a tough decision (to leave).

"My contract was winding down (and) they offered me a new deal, but Bournemouth came with some interest. It was a Premier League club with a highly-rated manager. It was something I had to look at.

"It's easy looking back now to say 'yeah, I should have stayed at Fulham', but at the time, I felt like I made the best decision I could for myself."

Discussing his lack of game-time at Cherries, Hyndman added: "I was pitched on a three-man midfield and we went to two midfielders.

"I had a huge adjustment to even fight for a place. At a young age, that's a hard thing to do. I had to go on loan to get my experience and try to impress.

"There's never an easy path, you have to fight for everything. Obviously, I envisioned it differently, but I had some things to learn."

He continued: "I don't fully regret moving to Bournemouth. I had the opportunity to play in the Premier League and learn under a good manager, but the opportunities were limited.

"It was a problem. You're in a good situation at a good club, but you want the opportunities.

"Looking back, I could have had that more at Fulham if I stayed.

"That's the only part where I was frustrated."