SCOTT Parker admitted he had a pre-match “dilemma” on his hands as to whether to include Leif Davis in Cherries’ squad – but hailed the young defender as “brilliant” in the latter stages at Nottingham Forest.

Davis was signed on loan from Leeds United last month, penning a season-long deal at Vitality Stadium.

He had been yet to feature for the Dorset club after picking up a knock – but with his squad stretched, Parker opted to name the 21-year-old on the bench for the clash with Forest.

With his side leading 2-1 thanks to goals from David Brooks and Philip Billing, Davis was introduced in place of Emiliano Marcondes on 81 minutes for Parker’s 10 men – after Brooks had been sent off on the hour mark.

Giving his thoughts on Davis’s debut for Cherries, Parker told the Daily Echo: “Leif’s trained fully, one day.

“He’s had three or four days with the fitness guys in terms of modified sessions.

“It was a big dilemma for me yesterday (on Friday) whether to bring him and put him on the bench and if need be, 10 minutes.

“That’s what I was thinking. Then the game pans out like that.

“He showed he was brilliant coming on there.”

Davis has signed from Leeds, having made 14 senior appearances for Marcelo Bielsa’s side in all competitions.

Posting on Twitter after the victory at the City Ground, the Newcastle-born defender said: “Delighted to have made my debut for @afcbournemouth. Happy to bring the +3 points home.”