CHERRIES development squad head coach Alan Connell believes Nathan Moriah-Welsh’s move to Scottish Premiership club Hibernian was the “culmination of his hard work over the years”.

It was announced on Saturday that Moriah-Welsh had moved to Scotland on a permanent basis for an undisclosed fee.

A full international with Guyana, Moriah-Welsh made two senior appearances for Cherries in the FA Cup, alongside a loan spell with Newport County last season.

This term the versatile midfielder had become a star turn for the development squad in their first year as a Category Two academy, Connell’s side fighting for the Professional Development League title whilst advancing to the knockout stages of the Premier League Cup.

Discussing Moriah-Welsh’s move, Connell told the Daily Echo: “I think Nathan's move is off the back of his hard work and all his teammates’ hard work over the course of this season.

“I think it's a brilliant move for a 21-year-old to go and play for such an iconic club as Hibernian in the Scottish Premiership.

“I'm very proud of him and his whole development since he came here as a 15-year-old trialist.

“I've seen him over those six years and worked very closely with him.

“To see him sign for Hibernian is a proud moment for him and his family, but also personally for me and more importantly, the academy and club.

“So it's nice to see and like I say, it's a culmination of his hard work over the years and especially the last six months where he's knuckled down, worked hard along with his teammates.

“I think it's a really good outcome for Nathan and I’m delighted for him.”

Moriah-Welsh becomes the second Cherry to join Hibernian this transfer window, with first-teamer Emi Marcondes joining Hibs on loan.

Development squad defender Owen Bevan has also been linked with a loan switch to Easter Road, rumours stemming from the fact that Cherries owner Bill Foley is in the process of purchasing a stake of Hibernian.

Aside from any potential affiliation to Hibernian, Cherries already have a sister club in France, FC Lorient.

Foley has often spoken about creating a multi-club model with Cherries at the top, with young talents loaned elsewhere to develop.

Asked if there was any joined-up thinking between the clubs when it came to moves, Connell replied: “I think any move has got to be right for everyone.

“So in this case, Hibernian were at our game against Wolves on Monday.

“They really liked what they saw the other night, and they've been following him for a while.

“Clubs only sign players after doing a lot of homework and research and that seems to be the case for Nathan.

“From our point of view we obviously want the best for our players and for our club.

“Those types of decisions are above my head.

“I'll just do my best to develop the players, to make sure they're ready for the next step, whether that's with us or somewhere else.”