BOSS Scott Parker insisted he had been “impressed” with glimpses shown by on-loan full-back Ethan Laird – and would “make a call” on his availability for selection against Swansea.

The 20-year-old arrived at Cherries at the start of January from Manchester United, having previously been on loan with the Swans earlier in the campaign.

Laird is yet to play a minute for the Dorset club having been plagued by a hamstring injury since his switch to the south coast.

But while he admits the start has been “tough” for the Basingstoke-born defender at Vitality Stadium, Parker insists there is still plenty of time for him to show his ability.

Asked about Laird’s injury situation by the Daily Echo, the Cherries boss said: “It’s been tough. Him and Kieffer (Moore), it’s been tough for both of them.

“Ethan has come in and obviously not played a minute at this present moment in time.

“Of course, I think it’s been difficult for him. He is on the right path now, can’t look back now. He is close and he is edging closer.

“He has been with the team the past week or so, so he is moving in the right direction. There is still a lot of football to be played, still loads of games to come, so I am looking forward to seeing Ethan.

“I’ve seen glimpses of him in training which I have been very impressed with. We brought him here because he can add to this squad.

“We have brought him here because he adds quality and he can bring competition and certainly help us. I am looking forward to him doing that.”

Laird featured 21 times for Russell Martin’s Swans during the start of the season, providing four assists.

Cherries are set to head to Wales to take on Swansea in the Championship on Tuesday (7.45pm).

Quizzed on Thursday whether Laird could be ready to take on his old club, Parker said: “Maybe Swansea is an option. We will have to see.

“He has two hard days planned, today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday), we will have to see how he comes out of the other side of these next two days.

“He will have a down day on Saturday and then we will prep going into Swansea. We will see where he is after that and make a call.”