WHEN you are one of the Premier League’s hottest prospects and becoming a vital player for your nation - it is only natural your career will progress at a rapid, exciting pace.

It is impressive how Cherries star Harry Wilson has taken his breakthrough top-flight campaign by the scruff of the neck, living up to his stellar reputation since his arrival at Vitality Stadium.

As well as four goals in 11 league games since signing on a season-long loan from Liverpool in the summer, the talented winger also this week helped Wales reach Euro 2020.

Wilson once again stepped up to the plate, scoring in a 2-0 victory against Azerbaijan before coming off the bench in a crucial 2-0 success over Hungary in Cardiff.

But media excitement surrounding the 22-year-old’s career has been something he has had to deal with for a number of seasons now.

He broke Gareth Bale’s record of becoming the youngest player to represent his country at senior level, aged just 16 years and 208 days when he featured in a 1-1 draw against Belgium in October 2013.

Rattling in some stunning strikes in his 18 goals at Derby last season also set tongues wagging about the technically gifted wideman.

So what has the hype been like to deal with?

“When you are at a young age, you find it difficult, it all seems to come at once,” the Wrexham-born star told the Daily Echo.

“You have a lot of things to learn – what you can say, what you can’t say but as you get older, you just get used to it and take it in your stride.

“Your life revolves around football, so it’s important when you do get that time off, it’s important to switch off and recharge.

“When I go home, I try to spend time with the family and my friends away from football and do stuff. I’ll play mini-golf, go to the cinema and try to switch off and relax the brain.”

As well as learning his trade at Anfield, Wilson has enjoyed fruitful loan spells away at Crewe, Hull and Derby – before his latest destination in reaching the Premier League with Cherries.

He lived with England international Mason Mount last season during his time with the Rams.

For this loan spell however, Wilson has been joined by someone who has supported him throughout the ups and downs – girlfriend Abby.

“She was at university. She’s just finished that, so this is the first time that she has come down with me to one of my loan teams,” said Wilson.

“I have been with her a while now and she’s from the same place as me in north Wales. We have known each other a while.

“I think it’s important that, if you are a long way from home, to have someone there just to keep you company.

“It’s nice. The other lads my age have got their girlfriends as well, so she can mix in with them. It’s good for her too and we are really enjoying it

“She has just finished uni, so is looking for a job down here now.

“Obviously I don’t know how long I am going to be here for. I’m here for the season. Beyond that I’m not sure, so it’s a bit difficult for her at the minute.

“She supports me through the good and bad.”

Of course, Wilson knew the likes of David Brooks, Chris Mepham, Jordon Ibe and Dominic Solanke from international and club football away from Vitality Stadium, prior to his arrival.

But he insisted all of Eddie Howe’s squad have made him feel welcome.

“They have been great from day one,” said the set-piece specialist.

“Obviously I knew a few before I came in but the ones I didn’t have been great with me. The senior boys have all welcomed me in, so I definitely feel part of the team.

“The lads are very tight-knit here as well so, even if I was on my own, I’m sure I’d feel like I could go round one of the lads’ houses of a night time and do stuff.

“There is a lot of us around a similar age. That definitely helps and when we get a bit of free time to go out together, a bit of team bonding is always good.”