BOSS Scott Parker admitted promising midfielder Gavin Kilkenny ticks the boxes for the way he wanted to play at Cherries – but challenged him to make a “big impression”.

The Republic of Ireland youngster impressed with an assist during Saturday’s 5-0 victory over MK Dons.

He played 90 minutes of the Carabao Cup first-round win and could be in contention when Cherries kick off their Championship campaign against West Bromwich Albion on Friday.

Dublin-born Kilkenny has stepped up admirably as cover for suspended Jefferson Lerma. Ben Pearson and Lewis Cook have also been unavailable through illness and injury.

And Parker, a central midfielder himself who made 368 appearances in the Premier League, has been pleased with the way the 21-year-old has embraced his opportunity. He told the Daily Echo: “I think he’s done very well, Gav. Technically he’s a really sound, nice football player.

“The way I want my teams to play, with technical ability and players being comfortable in possession, comfortable with the ball, understand and are clever.

“Gav ticks those boxes really, he’s done very well and I have been very impressed.

“Against Chelsea (in pre-season), I felt he grew into the game massively. He struggled the first part of the game to be honest with you.

“But as the game went on a big testament to him and something I was pleased with was how he reacted to the start. He recovered and played very well.

“I have been pleased with Gav.”

Kilkenny joined Cherries at the age of 16 and has come through the ranks at the Dorset club.

He made a name for himself during pre-season in 2019 having scored and been named man-of-the-match during a 3-0 victory against Lyon.

The midfielder penned a long-term contract with Cherries in December 2019 but has since made just seven senior appearances.

Asked whether he could stake a regular first-team claim or if a loan move was an option for the Republic of Ireland under-21 international, Parker replied: “A bit of both really. It’s down to Gav.

“He’s spent six weeks with us – there is competition for that position, of course there is in Lerma and Ben Pearson, Lewis Cook when he comes back.

“At this present moment in time, those players are not around. Gav needs to understand that, Gav needs to put his foot forward and leave a big impression on me and this team, which is going to be massive.

“We will see at the end of the window where he is, or where he needs to feel like he is. At this moment in time, he’s in a good spot and he needs to maintain that really.”

The boss added: “I see someone who is growing again.

“He did very well and on Saturday again he’s got an assist, was always around it, was very good tactically at times, still loads to come from Gav. A young player, but pleased for him.”