RYAN Fraser revealed how Junior Stanislas's return had made him look over his shoulder – and admitted he would always pick the ex-Burnley ace in his own Cherries line-up.

Winger Fraser has been in red-hot form this season, netting four times and providing three assists in eight games.

But the Scotland international knows he must keep performing if he is to keep his place in Eddie Howe’s side.

Stanislas, who last month signed a new three-year contract at Vitality Stadium, has announced in emphatic style his return from a serious knee injury.

The London-born star has scored three goals in four games with strikes coming in the Hampshire Senior Cup, Carabao Cup and Monday’s 2-1 Premier League win over Crystal Palace.

He is set to return to the venue he sustained the injury back in March, when Cherries make the trip to Watford on Saturday (3pm).

Asked about Stanislas’s comeback, Scotland international Fraser told the Daily Echo: “He’ll probably take my place!

“If he is fit he plays, if I am the manager. I’m not the manager, though!

“But he is that good, he gives you everything. That pass, goal, assist, free-kick, he’s a set-piece specialist and a very big player to get on a three-year deal.

“It’s competition, so if I keep scoring and providing assists, it’s all I can do. If I don’t then he will take my place, that’s just football.”

Responding to Fraser’s comments, Stanislas said: “Wee Man has been unbelievable so far and that’s nice coming from him.

“He has been fantastic. His form has helped the team with goals and assists.

“But his general play has been unbelievable. Hopefully he can continue that and I am going to have to step up my game a little bit to try to get in the team.”

Frontman Callum Wilson, who himself suffered two serious knee problems while with Cherries, revealed how he had been giving Stanislas advice throughout his rehab.

He said: "Junior is a good friend. We came down to the club together at the same time and it was disappointing to see him get injured.

“You see him working hard in the gym and I have been giving him tips as and when I can on what makes you feel better and what doesn’t.

“Junior is quite strong-minded so he didn’t really need much. I was just giving him views of my experience and what I did in that situation at different points of his rehab.

“The sort of person he is he will listen and always wants to learn. He has come back in the best shape possible.

“Junior has got himself looking strong and feeling good. He is back to his best and the more minutes he is racking up the better.

“He is different to our other wingers so it is only going to benefit us having players like that back and is a massive boost.”