DISCARDED as a teenager for being too small, Jordan Green has high hopes of making the grade second time round.

The 20-year-old has given up his job as a supermarket shelf-stacker after being handed another crack at the pro ranks by Cherries.

And Green, who stood barely five feet tall when he was released by Fulham at 16, has the ideal role model to just about look up to in Lionel Messi.

“I will work hard to be as good as I possibly can,” said the lively frontman. “Hopefully, that will be better than Messi!

“I am about 5ft 6ins now and Messi is only slightly taller than me. He is the best player in the world and it gives you a lot of inspiration to know you don’t have to be big to be the best.”

Green was rewarded with a 12-month deal with Cherries after impressing during a recent trial spell which he funded himself.

The Londoner will start his Dean Court career in Stephen Purches’s under-21 squad as he looks to force his way into Eddie Howe’s plans.

“I spent five years at Fulham but, unfortunately, didn’t get offered a scholarship when I was 16,” said Green. “I was 4ft 11ins, maybe 5ft, at the time but have grown a lot since then. I had my growth spurt late.

“I have spent four years away from the professional environment and have learned a great deal. I have grown in character as well as stature and am determined to take my chance.

“I’m hungry. Sometimes you can find scholars are in the comfort zone because they are with a pro club. The training is good and they become better players.

“When you are in the non-league environment like I have been, you never know when or if your opportunity will come so it makes you more determined to take it if you get one.”

Green, who hails from the New Cross area of south east London, played last season for Banbury United in the Southern Premier League while working full-time for Waitrose near his home.

“I worked there for two years and tried to juggle it with my football,” he said. “Sometimes, I would play on a Saturday afternoon and then do the night shift. That was really hard work.

“To be honest, I felt like quitting football at the end of last season but an agent said he had an opportunity for me at Bournemouth. I have been playing ever since I can remember so it would have been a great disappointment to everyone I know if I had packed it in.

“I broke my wrist preparing for the trial but didn’t want to miss it. I came in just after the cast had come off but it was still painful so I had to play through it.

“I was very confident and knew what I could do and what I could offer. I just hope that showed when I came in. I have been working hard for a long time for this opportunity.

“I have come from a low standard and know it is a big step to the Premier League. I would love to take my chance and will give it everything.”

Green earned his deal after catching the eye during friendlies against Arsenal, Hamworthy Recreation and Salisbury and in training with Purches’s squad.

Cherries coach Purches said: “Some stories are unbelievable and hopefully Jordan’s can be one of them. He has gone from working in a supermarket and playing non-league to coming in and giving us something completely different.

“He is positive and always wants to get on the ball. Hopefully, he will continue to develop. As long as he keeps working hard, he will have an opportunity to progress.

“He has gone down a different route to a lot of the lads. He ticks a lot of boxes and is one of those players who excites a crowd and a manager.

“It is early days but he is a game-changer. He will have a decent platform to build on here. We can produce a framework for players but it is up to them how far they want to take it.”