SCOTT Parker insists Cherries were not close to signing Josh Bowler last month, despite reports strongly linked him with a move to the club.

The Blackpool winger was said to be one of Cherries' key targets late in the January transfer window, but he ended up staying with the Lancashire club.

And Bowler certainly showed Cherries what they were missing out on, smashing in a stunning strike to give Blackpool a first-half lead at Bloomfield Road.

It looked like it would be the match-winning strike, only for substitute Jamal Lowe to equalise in the 86th minute, before Siriki Dembele's dramatic winner deep into stoppage time.

Asked if Cherries came close to signing 22-year-old Bowler last month, Parker told the Daily Echo: "No, not really. We did our business.

"A very good player. I think you’ve seen that today.

"A real threat for them. I thought we dealt with him for large parts very well.

"I think the goal is huge quality really. I’m not sure I can criticise anyone.

"Sometimes you’ve got to hold your hands up just have to salute the goal."