ANDONI Iraola says he is in “constant contact” with staff from Cherries’ development squad, as he keeps tabs on the club’s stars of the future.

With Alan Connell’s side not in action until Friday and a number of senior players away on international duty, some youngsters are likely to be drafted in to Iraola’s training sessions.

During the September international break, Iraola watched on from the stands at Vitality Stadium as Cherries faced Sheffield Wednesday in the Professional Development League.

That game saw first-team trio Marcus Tavernier, Gavin Kilkenny and Darren Randolph all feature.

“We are in constant contact with the staff of the under-21s,” head coach Iraola told the Daily Echo.

“A lot, I would say more than half of the players, have trained with us in one moment or the other, during pre-season or during the breaks.

“They are all pushing. If they see a chance, they can feel they are needed, we are keeping them all under control.

“It’s time to develop, to become better players, so they can be with us in the future.”

Over the summer, Cherries’ academy was upgraded to category two status, allowing them to enter higher profile competitions.

“I think it’s good for the club that they are playing higher level games, against good opposition,” said Iraola.

“They are sometimes having defeats, because they are facing good players. I think it is good.

“Also the other day Tavernier, Kilkenny and Darren Randolph played with them, so they could have some minutes. I am really happy with the way we are working with them.”

Asked if it was the coaches or players who suggested for those players to feature against the Owls, Iraola explained: “We were thinking previously we could maybe organise a friendly and play, but we didn’t have the numbers, because players were going with the national team.

“So we decided to use the three spots we had to play with the under-21s in these three players.

“I think it’s good for them to have the minutes and also the players are the first ones who want to play with them.”