BOSS Scott Parker said it was “possible” full-back Leif Davis could stay at Cherries beyond this season.

The 22-year-old joined the Dorset club on loan from Leeds United back in July – an agreement which is set to keep him at Vitality Stadium until the end of the campaign.

The arrangement also includes clauses with an option to make the deal permanent from Marcelo Bielsa’s side.

Asked whether there was a chance Davis could stay at Cherries beyond this season, Parker replied: “It's possible. I think it is possible. I think there is (an option to buy). I don't know the full details of the agreement we have.

“Obviously at this moment it is a loan, but of course, the way Leif is going on the upturn - he's doing everything right at this present moment in time.”

Newcastle-born Davis has struggled for game time during his spell on the south coast, as he competes with Jordan Zemura for a starting role at left-back.

He took his chance while Zemura was away with Zimbabwe for the Africa Cup of Nations, the loanee being voted the club’s player of the month for January.

Asked what the secret was behind the defender’s improvement, head coach Parker replied: “I think the main thing for Leif is probably him believing. He is also feeling more settled, definitely.

“I've seen someone grow a lot, not in terms of his technical game, but in his mentality and in his mindset.

“He is a young boy who has probably never been in and around it consistently at first-team level, and the demands and the pressures which come with first-team football.

“I think Leif will be the first to say that he struggled early on with that.

“But fair play to Leif. If there is one thing that he has shown is big character. He has done extremely well.

“It is probably very harsh for him not to be in the starting team at the moment. The gap between him, JZ and the others who could play there, is a lot closer, to be fair.

“Full credit to Leif. I have big praise for him, he has done very well.”

Davis has played 14 times in all competitions for Cherries this season, providing an assist for Dominic Solanke in a 4-0 victory over Swansea back in November.

He will hope to be in Cherries’ squad when Parker’s side make the trip to face Swansea in the reverse fixture on Tuesday (7.45pm).