TEENAGER Jayden Stock-ley believes he is ready for his first-team examination with Cherries after coming of age during a loan spell with Accrington Stanley.

The 18-year-old gained valuable experience during a two-month stay with the League Two outfit, netting three times in 10 appearances after moving to the Crown Ground in November.

Despite bursting on to the scene when he was named in the Cherries squad as a 15-year-old, Broadstone-based Stockley has since found opportunities hard to come by.

However, after impressing boss Lee Bradbury since his return from Accrington, Stockley earned a place in Cherries’ 16-man squad for the midweek defeat by Leyton Orient.

An unused substitute in the 2-1 reverse, Stockley told the Daily Echo: “You have got to be happy when you get into the 16 because the strength of the squad means getting on the bench is an achievement in itself.

“The manager said I had earned my spot through my hard work in training and reserve games. I felt I did well at Accrington and now just want to show everybody at Bournemouth I can replicate that here.

“I needed the loan move and it was a massive break for me. It was also good going into League Two because dropping any lower would have been harder. I think the higher I play, the better I will do.

“You always strive for success and, since I have had a taste of first-team football, I just want more and more. I just want to do the business for Bournemouth now.

“Games are coming thick and fast and I want to impress if I get a chance. Once I do get on the pitch, I think the supporters will see how much growing up I have done. I have adapted to the role of targetman and feel I have improved as a player.”

Stockley, who has been restricted to eight substitute appearances for Cherries this season, knows he faces a tough battle to force his way into Bradbury’s first-choice starting line-up.

The youngster, who is in competition with Wes Thomas, Matt Tubbs and Steve Fletcher, added: “We are all good friends. But, as much as we are friends, you have got to look after yourself and try to get into the team.

“Wes and Matt are playing really well at the moment and linking well. They are both scoring goals and I can learn from them. I have just got to bide my time and, hopefully, my time will come sooner rather than later.

“I think my game has come on leaps and bounds this season. Sometimes, I forget my age and that I am still developing. I am at a good stage now and am looking to push on from here.”