CHERRIES boss Scott Parker admitted he was “pleased” to see Ethan Laird finally get his chance to perform for his new loan club.

The Manchester United youngster was brought to Vitality Stadium at the start of January, having been a regular performer on loan at Swansea City during the first half of the campaign.

But a hamstring problem had set back the 20-year-old full-back, meaning he had to wait until Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Stoke City to make his bow for the Dorset outfit.

Basingstoke-born Laird was brought on with 17 minutes remaining against the Potters, with Cherries trailing to Tommy Smith’s 20th-minute opener before goals from Dominic Solanke and Jamal Lowe turned the game on its head.

Speaking to the Daily Echo post-match, Parker said: “Ethan, I was pleased (for).

“He has obviously not had a lot of football since he has been here, so I was pleased for him.”

Smith himself was making his return for Cherries, following a lengthy lay-off with a knee injury.

“Adam Smith was back and brings big belief, big character, good experience and huge quality as well,” added Parker.

Laird, Smith and Jack Stacey are now all vying to start at right-back for Cherries during the coming weeks.