ANDONI Iraola says Cherries’ improved second-half performance at Swansea City helped in Hamed Traore’s quest for a first goal for the club.

The Ivorian had the ball in the net three times in south Wales.

He had one effort ruled out in the second half for offside, before suffering the same fate midway through the second period.

But Traore’s persistence paid off, reacting quickest to turn home on the rebound after Dominic Solanke’s header had come back off the post and put his side 2-1 up.

Cherries went on to win 3-2 and progress in the Carabao Cup.

Asked about Traore’s first goal for the club, on his 10th appearance, Iraola said: “He also scored a disallowed goal, which was pretty close for the offside.

“After he scored the second one, which was valid.

“We were not finding him in the first half.

“He had space in the number 10 position, bit after half-time, I think the game was more open.

“The rhythm was higher and we could find him between the lines and also he had time to arrive and try to score, like he did.”

Traore will hope to keep his place when Cherries head to Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday (3pm).