BOSS Scott Parker was thankful to Manchester United for the addition of Ethan Laird on loan and believes he will bring “big quality” to Cherries.

The 20-year-old, who spent the first half of the season at Swansea City in the Championship, is set to be part of the Dorset club’s squad for the remainder of the season.

Right-back Laird, who has played twice for United at senior level, will provide competition for Jack Stacey while Adam Smith is out with a knee injury.

Asked what he felt England under-19 international Laird could bring to his squad, Parker said: “I think a few things really. He obviously brings us some cover in that position.

“Obviously Adam (Smith) will be out for a little bit of time, we won’t be seeing Adam for the foreseeable future.

“Jack Stacey has done incredibly well but, as always, it’s a long season with a lot of games so we are going to need cover.

“Ethan in particular will bring big quality as well and I think we have seen that in his half a season in this division at Swansea.

“He is someone who stood out to me over the course of a lot of games and thankfully, Man United have moved him over to us in terms of to take the next step for him.

“I am pleased that we have the quality of him to add to the squad and see out the rest of the season.”