ALEX Scott knows what is needed from him to break into the AFC Bournemouth starting 11 – but knows he must take the chance when it comes.

To date in the Premier League this season for the Cherries, Scott has played some part in all seven of the games so far.

This has come in the form of one start, in the opening game of the season at Nottingham Forest, with Scott’s other six appearances coming off the bench.

Last term, in his first season in the top flight since joining Bournemouth from Bristol City, he made 23 appearances for the Cherries in the league, with 12 of those coming off the bench.

The midfielder has been involved in the England U21s squad over the international break and was an unused substitute at the Vitality Stadium against Ukraine.

But he started at his previous home ground of Ashton Gate in Bristol on Tuesday, playing 71 minutes of the Young Lions’ 7-0 demolition of Azerbaijan.

(Image: Liam McBurney/PA Wire) Speaking while with the Young Lions, the 21-year-old was asked about Bournemouth boss Andoni Iraola and his influence on him and the side.

“Yeah, he's a brilliant guy, he's amazing with all us players,” Scott said. “We all have a good relationship with him. I'll be obviously grateful to him forever for giving me my chance in the Premier League.

“The style of play is different.

“It's very different to what I was used to at Bristol City, in terms of the structure to it and how we press. It was hard to learn at first, but I feel like I've got it now.

“I know what we're going to do every single game and what's needed from me to be playing in the starting XI. It's just about taking that chance when I get it.”

Scott’s coach with England, interim U21s head coach Ben Futcher, told the Daily Echo previously that the Guernsey-born player is a ‘fantastic character’ and an excellent player.

(Image: Richard Crease) Iraola has used the midfielder off the bench to bring more energy to the final stages of games through the middle, and he has been effective at breaking up play for Bournemouth’s forward line to exploit tired legs.

The Basque boss said he and his coaching staff know Scott’s level, that he trains well and is committed defensively, while also having good quality on the ball.

Scott has room to improve as a young player, Iraola added, and that he must keep adding things to his game.

The Cherries signed Scott in August 2023 for a fee of £20million with the potential for a further £5m in bonuses, after he was named Championship Young Player of the Season for his performances at Bristol City.