POOLE Town boss Tom Killick backed Cherries youngster Jake Scrimshaw to make a name for himself at professional level and insisted: “He is someone with an exciting future.”

Frontman Scrimshaw enjoyed a stellar campaign on loan at Dolphins alongside a key role in an historic season for Cherries under-18s.

The 18-year-old delivered a string of impressive performances on the way to leading the goalscoring charts for Poole Town and Alan Connell’s side.

After being named Cherries under-18s player of the season, he signed a contract to progress to the under-21s squad at Vitality Stadium.

Quizzed on Scrimshaw’s impact at Dolphins, Killick told the Daily Echo: “He was an absolute breath of fresh air for us.

“He is so enthusiastic. He really threw himself into the fabric of the club and he really endeared himself to the supporters and players.

“We are very grateful to Alan Connell and Bournemouth for allowing us to have him because he really was a breath of fresh air.

“In the short time we had Jake, he showed he has a bright future in the game and I am sure his future is going to be far and above Poole Town and that is certainly what we are hoping from him.

“From his point of view, he is someone with an exciting future.”

Scrimshaw joined the Tatnam outfit on a temporary basis in October and made an instant impression as he netted six goals on debut in a 7-1 Dorset Senior Cup victory over Portland United.

He went on to score 17 in all competitions before Killick’s charges suffered a controversial loss in the Southern League South play-off final against Met Police.

Under Connell’s leadership, the marksman’s prolific record helped Cherries reach their first FA Youth Cup quarter-final for 50 years.

Scrimshaw played a crucial part in the cup run with an equaliser against Mansfield, a hat-trick against Oxford and a brace against Aston Villa before defeat to Manchester City.

Killick has seen the likes of Charlie Austin and Sam Surridge earn their stripes at Poole before going on to play at a higher level.

And he sees no reason why Scrimshaw cannot do the same.

“Jake is a bit throwback and quite old fashioned in his approach – it is not the typical sort of player you see now,” said Killick.

“He is very strong, brave and robust. The ability he has to impose himself physically on games is remarkable for someone of his age. His work rate is tireless and relentless, alongside a real eye for goal.

“He just has a lot of qualities. Bournemouth and Alan Connell are improving him day by day and if that continues I hope and believe he will go on to bigger and better things.”

Killick added: “He was a credit to himself and to Bournemouth.

“I hope he not only enjoyed the football at Poole but being with us in terms of the relationships he built and that is important.

“We built up a huge affection for him and we are all willing him to go on to bigger and better things.”