ANDONI Iraola is hoping Marcus Tavernier can rediscover his "confidence" soon, insisting “it is a matter of time” before he starts making vital contributions again.

The 24-year-old has suffered a slight dip in form in recent weeks and was left out of the starting XI for last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.

After missing four games due to injury at the start of the season, Tavernier has featured in all 23 of Cherries’ fixtures, starting 17. In that time he has scored three goals and provided four assists.

Discussing Tavernier’s recent form, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “I think Marcus gives us a lot of things, that’s the reason he plays a lot of minutes.

“He is very complete, I would say.

“Sometimes we are very, very demanding with him, because we want him to cover his wing, close the inside, help the full-back, then arrive, make the play, the one against one, make the numbers.

“We demand of him, because we know he has the level.

“We want him to be with the confidence he was not so long ago.

“But he is someone that we value a lot. I think he will continue helping us and performing well.”

Asked if he feels Tavernier has been growing frustrated with a lack of goals recently, despite getting into some promising positions, Iraola added: “I remember the cup game against Swansea, he came on in the last 20-25 minutes and had three or four clear chances that normally he gets in.

“They were blocked and he finished the game a little bit frustrated.

“But he doesn’t have to focus only on the goals and assists.

“He gives us a lot of things.

“It is a matter of time. If he is at his level, he will make the numbers.”

Only Dominic Solanke (68) has had more shots in the Premier League for Cherries this season than Tavernier (38).

Tavernier will hope for a recall into the side for this afternoon’s game against Fulham at Craven Cottage (3pm).