BOSS Andoni Iraola says international travel with Ghana has played a part in Antoine Semenyo’s game-time with Cherries this season.

Semenyo caught the eye in the first two fixtures of the campaign, making an impact off the bench on the opening day against West Ham United, before starting and scoring in defeat at Liverpool.

He kept his place for the next two league fixtures, before the first international break in September.

There Semenyo travelled to Africa to feature for Ghana and played just twice, off the bench, in the following five Premier League matches.

The 23-year-old came back into the team to face Burnley on Saturday and impressed, scoring in the 2-1 victory.

Asked if Semenyo can feel hard done by with his recent lack of game-time, given his performances when he does get on the pitch, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “With some players, especially the ones who travel more – (Luis) Sinisterra, Semenyo, even Junior (Traore) – it is difficult when they go with their national team.

“They spend two weeks away and then they come late for the next game and it is very difficult for them, because it is really demanding. But I think Antoine is doing really well.

“Every time we have given him the chance, he has responded well.

“I am really happy because he is someone that is really pushing in training. It is good that he has this reward (of a goal).”

After their travels with Colombia and Ivory Coast respectively, both Sinisterra and Traore were left out of the matchday squad for the loss to Wolves after the October international break.

Sinisterra is unavailable to face Liverpool in the Carabao Cup on Wednesday, due to being cup-tied having featured for his parent club Leeds United earlier in the competition.

But Traore, who started both wins in this competition so far, against Swansea City and Stoke City, could again feature.

Iraola said of the 23-year-old: “I think he will be in the squad.

“We still haven’t decided the starting XI. It depends on how we see him and other players today.

“But obviously he can have a chance, yes.”