ANDONI Iraola described James Hill’s loan move to Blackburn Rovers as “a perfect situation”.

The England under-21 international featured regularly for Cherries during pre-season and made his Premier League debut off the bench against West Ham United in Iraola’s first competitive game in charge.

But the club opted to let Hill leave and join Blackburn Rovers in the Championship.

It is the second time the centre-back has been loaned out since joining Cherries from Fleetwood Town in January 2022, spending the second half of last season with Heart of Midlothian in Scotland.

Hill could make his Rovers debut at home against Middlesbrough on Saturday, September 16.

Discussing the decision to allow Hill to leave on loan, Cherries head coach Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I’m really happy for him.

“I was really happy with his attitude, with his performance in pre-season.

“He made his (Premier League) debut in the first game against West Ham and I was okay with either situation.

“If he stayed with us I was happy, because he has helped the team a lot.

“But we all thought it was a perfect situation for him.

“They are a very good team. I think he will fight for the starting position there and I think he is ready to compete.

“We wish him all the best there in Blackburn.”