HEAD coach Scott Parker described as a “modern-day number nine” Dominic Solanke after he celebrated his 24th birthday with the winner against Queens Park Rangers.

The former Chelsea man converted a cross from Jaidon Anthony from close range to put Cherries 2-0 up at Vitality Stadium, after the winger had set the ball rolling.

Solanke’s strike proved decisive after Sam McCallum fired in a consolation for the Rs in the second half.

Asked about birthday-boy Solanke’s display, Parker said: “For me, Dom is an all-round number nine. A modern-day number nine.

“What I mean by a modern-day number nine is he works his socks off. Fundamentally, he’s a grounded centre-forward that builds his game solely first.

“He works tirelessly that line at times. He is the one who sets the press, works tirelessly, sometimes for lost causes as nine, which you do.

“On the flip side of that, he can put the ball in the net and that’s massive – that’s key.

“He won us the game tonight with his finish, so it was massive.”

Solanke’s strike was his fourth in as many games for the club. He already has six goals in eight games in all competitions this campaign.