ON THIS DAY – APRIL 4 2009

STEVE Fletcher thinks Brett Pitman could have the world at his feet – providing he keeps listening to Cherries boss Eddie Howe.

Pitman bagged the first hat-trick of his professional career as Cherries registered a thumping 4-0 win over League Two high-fliers Rochdale.

The 21-year-old silenced his critics in style as he took his goal tally for the season to 14 to propel himself among the division’s top marksmen.

It was a far cry from a fortnight ago when Pitman’s display against Notts County had earned him reproach from a number of Cherries supporters.

Fletcher told the Daily Echo: “Brett has probably become the most talked-about person at the club.

“For me, he’s the most important player in the team. When he’s on his game, he can terrorise defenders and he doesn’t have to be scoring. If he’s on his game, he can be such an asset, whether he’s playing up front or on the left wing.

“He won’t get anybody better than Eddie to educate him.”

Liam Feeney was also on target for the hosts.

Cherries: Jalal; Cooper, Garry, Pearce, Wiggins; Feeney (Igoe, 80), Hollands, Robinson, Molesley (Bradbury, 89); Fletcher (Goulding, 86), Pitman.

Unused subs: Guyett, Partington.