CHERRIES youngster Baily Cargill can look forward to a bright future in the professional game, according to AFC Totton boss Steve Riley.

The 17-year-old defender joined the Stags on loan in November and has commanded a starting place in all but one of Totton's league matches since.

Left sided Cargill has slotted in at full-back, wing-back and centre-half during his stay at the Testwood Stadium.

And Riley, whose team secured a ninth win in 10 home Southern Premier games by beating former club Bashley 2-0 on Saturday, is full of praise for the flexible protégé.

Ex-Bash boss Riley told the Daily Echo: “Baily has come in and done a great job, we're chuffed to bits with him.

“He may not be the finished product yet but he is a nice lad who listens and wants to learn. He is great to work with and has stacks of energy.

“I believe he has the attributes to go far if he is handled correctly, which I am sure he will be at Bournemouth. He will go on to bigger and better things.”

It is one of many successful loan moves brokered between Riley and Cherries over the years, but Totton are unlikely to see more from their other loan star, striker Jordan Chiedozie, who sustained a knee injury last week.

Riley added: “Unfortunately, Jordan will be on the sidelines for a little while. It is a shame because he was looking lively and doing well.

“He has a scan this week because there is possibly a slight tear in his cartilage. It is not anything long term but he is going to see the specialist in London.

“It is nice to have that connection and support from Bournemouth. We are doing them a favour, they are doing us a favour and the players get valuable experience, so it is good for everyone. As long as they are happy, we will keep the relationship going.”

The Stags secured all three points against Bash with goals from Richard Gillespie and a thunderbolt from Jonathan Davies.

The defeat left Frank Gray's men winless in seven matches and just three points off the Southern Premier's bottom two, but Riley backed his former club to emerge from the slump.

Riley added: “I know a lot of people at Bashley and, when you spend seven years somewhere, you don't like to see them struggle. It is never nice but they have a hard-working squad with good Southern League experience and I am sure they will sort it out.”

Bash: Moore, Strickland, Oliver, Stephenson, Middleton, Richardson, Casey (Hill, 82), Colson, Gradwell (Finlay, 76), Gamble (Stokoe, 65), Knight. Unused subs: Foster, Kearn (g/k).