FORMER Cherries boss Harry Redknapp hailed Andoni Iraola for doing a “brilliant job” at Vitality Stadium, adding: “He’s got them playing fantastic football.”

Eyebrows were raised in the summer when Cherries decided to part ways with Gary O’Neil despite the rookie head coach leading Cherries to Premier League safety last term, with the Dorset club moving quickly to secure the services of Basque boss Andoni Iraola.

After waiting for a first Premier League win, Iraola has led Cherries to a comfortable midtable position with 12 games remaining, Cherries sitting 13th with 31 points from 26 matches so far.

And ex-Cherries and Spurs manager Redknapp has been left impressed with his former club’s performance this term.

Speaking to BetVictor, Redknapp said: “Bournemouth will end up finishing somewhere around mid-table this season and that is great for them.

“Andoni Iraola has done a brilliant job and he’s got them playing fantastic football.

“They always attack, they have a go and they play with energy. I go to every home game and I love watching them – they’ve been really good.

“Gary O’Neil did a great job last year and everybody was questioning his sacking, but to be fair to Iraola he’s come in and carried it on.

“They could easily have beaten Manchester City the other week and they created some great chances, that shows just how good of a side they are.

“No one turns up to the Vitality Stadium and has an easy game, that’s for sure.”

Under Iraola, talismanic striker Dominic Solanke has found the back of the net with increasingly regularity, his 14 Premier League strikes crucial in his side’s rise up the league table.

Redknapp added: “Dominic Solanke could well creep into the England squad for the European Championship this summer.

“There is a chance for a few lads to be the back-up striker behind Harry Kane.

“Callum Wilson has been picking up a few injuries lately so Gareth Southgate will be looking for some cover.

“We’re not overloaded in that position after Harry Kane so who knows what could happen if he gets injured.

“I like Jarrod Bowen and I think he could play through the middle as well as out wide – he’d be in my squad for sure.

“I like Solanke and I think Bournemouth will have a lot on their hands trying to keep hold of him in the summer.

“There will be a few clubs wanting to sign him because he’s got everything.

“He’s great in the air, good movement, holds it up well, can score a goal and he’s confident now.

“He looks the real deal.”