FIRST team boss Scott Parker hailed the efforts of Cherries’ development squad on Wednesday evening, after they recorded a 3-0 win away at Brighton in the Premier League Cup.

Goals from Josh Popoola, Daniel Adu-Adjei and Christian Saydee ensured Shaun Cooper’s young charges came away from Sussex with a shock win over their Category One opponents.

Cherries development squad, which largely features under-21 players, do not currently feature in the Premier League 2 or the Professional Development League due to the fact they are a Category Three academy.

When asked for his thoughts on the youngsters’ exploits, Parker enthused: “Incredible. (Against a) Category One academy, unbelievable win, really.

“I always say what an amazing job the guys do in the academy. Coops (Shaun Cooper), Tommy (Elphick), all the guys in and around it while developing the young boys and probably at times difficult circumstances in terms of where we are as a category three club and that, but for sure an incredible result. They did amazing.”

Parker then went on to stress although promotion to the Premier League made it harder for youngsters to break into the first team picture, he was still keen to give youth a chance when the opportunity arises.

“The quality of the level of what you're going into every week is much higher,” he added.

“I always say, whether you're 16, 17, 18,19, you give debuts first and foremost to players you feel have the ability and are good enough at that moment to have an impact.

“Harvey Elliott I remember when I was at Fulham was an example of that. A young player we gave a debut to and kicked on the ability first and foremost.

“And I witnessed that daily. So, I think it's more difficult for sure in this division, but like always, the talent is there and they can make the step up. And for me, I'm a real advocate of pushing them in.”