BOSS Scott Parker described as an “animal” returning Leif Davis to Cherries’ line-up – after the youngster made his first appearance since August.

Davis has battled injury and illness since signing on loan at Vitality Stadium from Leeds United this season.

He had found himself behind Jordan Zemura in the pecking order at Cherries – but an ankle injury to the Zimbabwe international allowed Davis his opportunity.

The 21-year-old helped Cherries to a 4-0 home win over Swansea and also provided an assist for Dominic Solanke’s second goal of the afternoon.

Asked about Davis’s display, Parker told the Daily Echo: “I was pleased for him. He had to wait for his opportunity.

“He struggled to be quite honest with you since coming in for many reasons – injury, illness, so it’s been a bit of a stuttering start.

“He’s also a young player who has not got vast experience in the arena, so we have had to work and help him through that.

“I thought he started slow in that sense and he just grew into the game and he was an animal really, with an assist – I was very pleased for Leif.”