SCOTT Parker expressed his excitement at snapping up Marcus Tavernier, who could make his Cherries debut this weekend.

The talented 23-year-old arrived from Middlesbrough earlier this week, reportedly for an initial £10million.

The former England under-20 international, who spent almost a decade on Teesside, could make his first appearance in the Premier League when Aston Villa visit Vitality Stadium tomorrow (3pm).

Asked when Tavernier was first on his radar as a manager, Parker told the Daily Echo: "When I played against Marcus, obviously he stood out to me. I always recognised him as a very good player, someone who's got some key qualities I'd like to work with, definitely.

"I see someone who's hungry, I see someone who I can work with and try and develop.

"In terms of the next challenge for him, he's been in around the Championship for a little while. I believe, like a lot of players we have, the next challenge is, has he got the attributes and the qualities to then go and do it at this next level, which is the Premier League?

"And I believe he has, so I'm very pleased with him.

"His versatility, he gives us options for sure in his positions where he can play and his attributes in terms of what he possesses. Left foot, good shot. I think there's goals in him. Powerful technical player, real good mentality it seems about him as well. So pleased to have him."

He added: "Securing that signing was very big for us. A player that we really like and a player that we feel can go to the next level in the Premier League."

With fellow new recruits Ryan Fredericks (calf) and Joe Rothwell (quad) both nursing injuries, Tavernier could be the only debutant for feature for Cherries this weekend.

Asked if the Leeds-born ace was ready to come straight in to the side having signed on Monday, Parker said: "We’ve done a lot of work with him in a real short space of time. And probably overloaded him in that sense.

"He didn’t really train too much last week and we’ve had to be a bit careful with him this week, because we obviously don’t know the player too well.

"The last thing we want to do is put him straight into our programme and we have problems.

"But he will be in and around it at the weekend for sure."

Tavernier can operate in various positions, predominantly known for playing in either central midfield or left-wing-back.

Quizzed on if he decided where he thinks Tavernier will best fit into his team, Parker said: "I'm not sure yet. I don't know.

"I've just not seen enough at this present moment in time. I've seen little bits, but I reserve judgment on that.

"I just have not had enough time with him to make a real call. Been speaking to him a lot in terms of how he sees himself.

"But, I think at this present moment, I've got options there with him."