ANDONI Iraola says Gavin Kilkenny has “given himself a chance” to feature again for Cherries.

The young Irishman burst onto the scene with a man-of-the-match performance in a pre-season friendly against Lyon at Vitality Stadium in the summer of 2019.

He made just six first-team appearances in the following two campaigns, before becoming a key part of the side in the Championship under Scott Parker.

That was until the mid-point of the season, where Kilkenny lost his place, only featuring three times between January and May 2022.

Bournemouth Echo:

Last summer the Dubliner signed a new contract extension with Cherries, which runs until the summer of 2025, and was sent out on loan to Stoke City in the Championship.

He made four appearances for the Potters before suffering hip and knee injuries and was unable to force his way back into the side.

A temporary move to League One Charlton Athletic followed in the winter transfer window, but the midfielder struggled for game-time, playing just eight times.

The 23-year-old returned to Cherries in the summer and featured regularly under new boss Iraola during the pre-season schedule.

He has been an unused substitute for each of Cherries’ opening two Premier League fixtures, with the club currently short of central midfield options. Joe Rothwell and Philip Billing have largely filled those berths so far, with new signings Alex Scott and Tyler Adams both out injured, as well as Lewis Cook.

Kilkenny has this week been linked with a move away from Vitality Stadium, with both Birmingham City and Reading linked.

Asked what he has made of Kilkenny since working with him, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I think he has given himself a chance.

“He is pushing. He has been training all the sessions. He played in the friendlies, but it is really tough to play in the Premier League.

“He is giving his best. We are trying to help him also. You never know when you have the chance.”

Iraola added: “In the game against West Ham, he was one of the options we had, but with especially with Max (Aarons) and Marcos (Senesi) feeling their cramps, we had to go to other options.”

Kilkenny has made 24 competitive appearances for Cherries, the last coming in May 2022.