RISING star Ajani Burchall stressed his desire to keep improving as he looks for more minutes in Cherries’ first team.

The Bournemouth Collegiate pupil made a surprise first senior bow in the Dorset club’s 5-0 Championship victory over Huddersfield Town last month.

The 16-year-old had been featuring mainly for the under-18s this campaign – but became the third-youngest debutant in club history in the victory over the Terriers.

That appearance also made him the youngest Bermudan to feature in the Football League.

Having spent Christmas back in his homeland, Burchall has since enjoyed a run of games for Cherries’ under-18s - most recently recording an assist in a 3-1 victory at Swindon on Tuesday.

Speaking to the Royal Gazette, the teenager said: “It was great being back home in Bermuda for the Christmas break.

“Being able to see family and friends was good for me as I've not been able to physically see any of them for a whole year due to COVID.”

He added: “Although I enjoyed my time home, I am just as excited being back here in Bournemouth getting back to training and playing games with my team-mates.

“I look forward to improving myself physically and technically, which would help to improve me as a player.

“Hopefully, I can keep improving and score some goals as well as get some assists. If I can do these things, maybe I'll impress enough to get more minutes and experience with the first team.”

Assessing the teenager’s progress, under-18 boss Alan Connell told the club website: “He went back to Bermuda over Christmas and has been straight back into games with us, playing 45 minutes in the first game and now three 90-minute matches in a row.

"He's had to find his fitness and match sharpness through the games.

“When he's at his best he's aggressive off the ball with his pressing and his actions and he's always a threat going forwards with the quality and composure he has.

"He still has a long way to go, but his assist will give him a big boost as he looks to continue to develop in all aspects of his game.

"A lot has happened to him in a short space of time so it's been good for him to get back playing and get back to working on the things he needs to improve at - while also showing what he's already good at."