BOSS Gary O’Neil believes young striker Daniel Adu-Adjei will be “important to the club moving forward” after penning his first professional contract.

The 17-year-old has been prolific for the under-18s this season and is currently getting his first taste of senior football, out on loan at seventh tier Poole Town.

Former Fulham youngster Adu-Adjei is yet to make his Cherries debut, named as an unused substitute on three occasions, including twice in the Premier League.

Discussing the forward’s new two-year contract, O’Neil said: “He’s in a good place. Obviously he’s been involved a time or two this season already.

“He’s still very, very young, lots of promise. He has ability.

“Lots of hard work to do. That last gap that you have to bridge as a young footballer, the one from youth team football to first team football is the biggest.

“As you come through the ages and you progress fairly evenly, then the last jump you need to make is the biggest one.

“Still an awful lot of work for him to do, but delighted that we’ve secured his future for a bit longer.

“I’m sure he’ll be important to the club moving forward.”