CHERRIES debutant Christian Saydee marked the occasion with a dream goal off the bench prompting head coach Scott Parker to say “he’s embraced the hard work when others may have shirked away.”

Parker rewarded that application with a substitute appearance 15 minutes from time before the striker repaid his gaffer via a goal and an assist just minutes later to complete the 5-0 rout of MK Dons.

The 19-year-old had a brief spell out on loan at National League Weymouth last season and made the Cherries bench on a handful of occasions in the Championship and FA Cup, but never made it onto the pitch.

Saydee travelled with the squad for the Marbella warm-weather camp this month but was limited to appearances off the bench throughout pre-season, including the midweek tie against Champions League winners Chelsea.

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Speaking about the youngster after the game, Parker was full of praise, telling the Daily Echo: “Brilliant afternoon for Christian.

“He’s worked extremely hard in the four weeks he’s come here and the steps and developments he’s taken in terms of his physicality of where he was to where he is now, he’s been very well-deserved his goal, I’m pleased for him.”

“I’ve liked his work effort, because he came in with us and there was an element I didn’t like, in terms of his physicality and where he was, he needed work.

“He’s embraced that challenge I’ve set for him, he’s embraced the hard work when others may have shirked away or others may have quit, the boy has showed some resilience and the boy has showed some character and has got himself in a position to do what he’s done today really, so it was fully deserved.”

Up next for Cherries is a test in the opening Championship fixture of the 2021-22 season when they host recently relegated West Brom.

However, Parker will be hoping for returns to action for the likes of forward Sam Surridge, who didn’t make the bench for the MK Dons fixture due to a knock, as well as a number of other first teamers that could see squad space limited.