ANDONI Iraola moved to “thank” Max Aarons for the way he performed on his Cherries debut, admitting it was “not an easy decision” to start him.

Cherries swooped to snatch the 23-year-old from under the noses of Leeds United last week and threw him straight into the starting XI for the opening day of the Premier League season.

With his Norwich City future uncertain, Aarons had not featured for the Canaries during pre-season. His last appearance prior to Saturday’s 1-1 draw with West Ham United was for England’s under-21s, in the final of the European Championship on July 8.

But with fellow right-backs Adam Smith and Ryan Fredericks both nursing injuries, Iraola turned to Aarons just days after his arrival, the defender impressing before being withdrawn on 75 minutes.

Asked if he had doubts about playing Aarons from the start, Cherries head coach Iraola told the Daily Echo: “It was not an easy decision, because he hasn’t played pre-season games.

“He was training, he was fit, but the rhythm of the games wasn’t there.

“I think he survived (on Saturday). I think we have to thank him, because for sure it has not been easy for him.

“Also (Antoine) Semenyo, he is probably ahead of schedule in his injury and didn’t play in pre-season.

“But we needed players and he has helped us a lot and he gave us a good spark from the bench.”

Aarons went down and required treatment before being substituted for James Hill.

Asked if that was down to fatigue, as opposed to a more serious injury worry, Iraola confirmed: “Yes.

“Also Marcos (Senesi) I think they are not injuries, just cramps.

“It is normal in the first game of the season. I think that nobody finished injured.”

Cherries face Liverpool at Anfield on Saturday (3pm).