GAVIN Kilkenny revealed how an “honest and up front” chat with Scott Parker made him work harder than ever to regain his place in Cherries’ midfield.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international started the first four Championship contests of Parker’s reign, before being left out of the starting XI at Hull City back in August.

Dubliner Kilkenny then missed out on the matchday squad for the next six league contests but was thrust in to start against Bristol City this month.

He has since kept his place for victories over Stoke City and Huddersfield Town.

Asked what head coach Parker was like with him after being left out, Kilkenny told the Daily Echo: “He was good. He was honest and that’s what you want from your manager, to be honest and up front.

“Even if it’s not what you want to hear, you’d rather that. You’d just rather be honest and he was honest with me.

“He told me ‘look, you’re unlucky but you need to basically keep working hard and be ready to come back in, it’s up to you now’.

“I was happy enough with that and that’s what you’ve got to do. You’ve got to keep working hard, come back and show you are good enough to play consistently and not just in little bursts.

“It’s only three games I’ve been back in, so I need to push on and be more consistent – hopefully get more trust.”

Kilkenny impressed while starting in a youthful Cherries line-up earlier this campaign, while Parker’s options were limited due to injuries and suspensions.

The returns of the likes of Jefferson Lerma and Ben Pearson meant the 21-year-old was pushed down the pecking order.

“It’s tough. It wasn’t easy,” said Kilkenny.

“Not being in the squad and having to watch from the stands but then you’re doing lots of physical work to stay ready.

“I probably worked harder in that month than I have ever before, to make sure when I came back in, I was ready to go and I didn’t have any regrets.

“I took a step back to reflect on the games I had played and make sure that when I came back in, I could improve on things that maybe were not quite right in those games. Little things defensively.

“I think I have kind of taken them and added them in, there is still lots to improve going forward from Saturday. I’ll just keep working hard.

“It’s just about trying to stay positive and keep working hard and keeping the faith that hopefully there will be an opening.

“There was a little bit of luck but when you come in you’ve got to be ready. That’s what the manager said to me, just make sure if you get the chance, you are ready to go.”

Kilkenny is expected to feature in Cherries’ squad for Saturday’s trip to Reading (8pm).