Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Josh is on Eddie's mind
IMPROVING Josh McQuoid is close to a first-team breakthrough after boss Eddie Howe revealed the young Cherries star would get his opportunity.[LNB] The homegrown teenager has made a big impression in the past month and his latest substitute appearance yielded a lively cameo display in difficult conditions against Notts County.[LNB] Having bided his time, patient McQuoid is now edging nearer a place in Howe's starting line-up.[LNB] And the Cherries chief has encouraged the speedy winger to grasp the chance when it arrives.[LNB] Speaking ahead of tonight's tough League Two trip to Barnet (7,45pm), Howe said: He's close because if you continue to do well coming on as a substitute, which I think he has because he's certainly caught the eye for 20 minutes in three games, it puts you in the frame for a starting place.[LNB] He's knocking on the door and that's all he can do. He'll get his opportunity.[LNB] Starved of chances since emerging from the Dean Court youth ranks, McQuoid started to realise his potential last month with eye-catching showings against Chesterfield, Dagenham & Redbridge and County.[LNB] Howe added: The pleasing thing with Josh is he's working hard and he's got his head down I think that was always key for him, said Howe.[LNB] He needed to be slightly fitter we've worked on that and we've told him the areas of his game he needs to improve.[LNB] He's taken that on himself to do some work, which is what you want players to do, taking responsibility for their own game.[LNB] His hard work has paid dividends and his performances have showed an improvement.[LNB] McQuoid, a former Priestlands schoolboy, was handed his first professional contract by Kevin Bond in May 2008.[LNB] He said: I've been working a lot more on my final ball and my fitness as well, which is a big part of the game.[LNB] I've been staying after training and Eddie stays back sometimes to do some crossing and finishing with my left and right foot.[LNB] I feel a lot more confident.[LNB]
