DARTS fan Alex Scott says his time at Cherries so far has been a big learning experience, as he looks to nail down a starting spot – whilst also improving on the oche!
Exciting midfield talent Scott, 20, joined Cherries from Bristol City last summer for a fee which could reach £25million.
After recovering from injury, he made an eye-catching impact straightaway, before being struck down by a further knee problem.
Now fully fit, Scott made his England under-21 debut this month, following that up with two assists on his first start at that level, in Tuesday’s 7-0 win over Luxembourg in Bolton.
But, as he told the Daily Echo, football is not his only sporting passion.
“Me and Tav (Marcus Tavernier) were watching it recently in the hotel before the Burnley game, rooting for Luke (Littler) of course,” said Scott.
“I love darts. I play at home when I can.
“All my friends and family enjoy the darts as well.
“It’s something to do away from football, to take my mind off the games we’ve got coming up.
“I think I properly got into it three years ago now.
“There is something about it, around Christmas time it is the main thing that’s on, the World Championship.
“It’s something to do away from football, because we’ve got to take our mind off things every now and again.
“So whenever I can play darts or watch the darts, whether that’s the UK Open recently or the Premier League on a Thursday, I’ll be doing that. It’s something I really love.”
In features with Cherries’ matchday programme this season, Scott listed teenage sensation Littler and St Helen’s star Stephen Bunting as dream dinner party guests.
Asked if he has attended the darts in person, Scott said: “I’ve not been. I’m going at the end of the season to the Premier League final.
“Me and my boys are looking forward to that, it should be good.
“It’s just grown massively in the last few years. It’s great for the sport and for us to enjoy it as well.”
Quizzed on his own skills on the dartboard, Scott added: “I’m getting better! At first I was terrible, but it’s a tough sport, isn’t it?
“A lot of practice needed and hopefully I’ll get better as it comes.
“Ryan Christie is very good, Tav plays, James Hill loves a dart as well.
“We’ve got it in the training ground and whenever we can, after breakfast or whatever, we throw a few arrows. It’s good fun.”
Away from the fun on the board is the serious business on the pitch.
Most of Scott’s 15 appearances in the Premier League this season have come as a substitute, completing 90 minutes just twice, competing in different midfield roles as he battles the likes of Lewis Cook, Ryan Christie, Philip Billing, Justin Kluivert and now Tyler Adams for game-time.
“It’s all learning,” insisted Scott, when asked about his time on the south coast so far.
“Obviously I’m still young. I’ve played all three of the midfield positions this season so far and I just want to get in the team and keep my position.
“When my chance comes again, I’ll be looking to take it.
“I’m trying to learn as much as I can off the coaching staff and the players.
“Ryan and Lew are massive as well with helping my development, so learning off these players day in, day out in training is only going to benefit me.
“I’m really enjoying it, but I’d rather be starting.”
Scott will hope to get another chance when Cherries welcome Everton on Saturday (3pm).
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