YOUNG gun Josh McQuoid is determined to repay Eddie Howe’s faith after admitting his relief at landing a new Dean Court deal.

McQuoid is desperate to prove himself in League One and hold down a regular starting place after signing a new one-year deal with Cherries.

The homegrown winger this week agreed fresh terms – becoming the second out-of-contract player to commit himself to the newly promoted club.

Having followed in the footsteps of midfielder Danny Hollands by putting pen to paper, McQuoid is keen to demonstrate his talents in the third tier.

And the emerging talent believes he can make a positive impact after manager Howe gave him a chance to shine at the next level.

“I think if I can get a run of games then confidence will come,” he told the Echo.

“I’ve just got to work hard and improve myself in pre-season.

“I believe I can get in the team and help the team progress through the league.

“I was very pleased to get another contract so I would love to pay back the club.”

Asked whether he was relieved to be kept on, McQuoid said: “It’s always in the back of your mind.

“You don’t want to be too confident when you’re thinking about getting a new deal. You have always got to have a bit of worry in your mind.

“But I was just happy to get one.”

Despite being required to make the step up and face more accomplished opposition, McQuoid thinks the higher division will be a good fit for Cherries.

He said: “League One is much tougher, but we’ve been in it before.

“We’re a League One team, not a League Two team, so I think we will cope well in that division.

“It’s more of a footballing league so it will suit us quite well.

“The club has been through a lot and we’re finally back up and running and doing well.

“We’ve made a name for ourselves and we would like to keep it that way.”

McQuoid, who has been on the club’s books for seven seasons, demonstrated his ability with a man-of-the-match display against Morecambe in March.

Reflecting on the part he played in Cherries’ promotion campaign, McQuoid added: “I thought it was my best season so far, but I think it can get better.

“I think Eddie knows what I can do. I just need to prove it.”