KIEFFER Moore was left “really delighted” with his goalscoring contribution at Crystal Palace, admitting it had been “a tough season up to this point” with a lack of game-time.

Moore came off the bench with two minutes of regulation time to play at Selhurst Park, and Cherries one goal up.

Then, as the game moved into stoppage time, the Wales striker arrived at the back post to head in and secure a 2-0 victory.

It marked the first time since a 3-0 win over Everton in November 2022 Moore had netted a competitive goal for Cherries.

Asked what the message was from boss Andoni Iraola when coming onto the pitch, Moore told the Daily Echo: “Defend set pieces, score goals. It’s quite straightforward.

“It was at a time where we were coming under a little bit of pressure from balls in the box, so that’s pretty much it really.”

Bournemouth Echo: Kieffer Moore has been restricted to just one start this season

Reflecting on the goal, the 31-year-old added: “That’s my food and drink, you could say.

“I’m really delighted with the goal. It’s been a tough season up to this point for me personally, game-time wise.

“But I’ve worked hard, I’ve done extras and I’m thankful for this opportunity.”

Moore’s chances have largely been off the bench in the past 12 months, the 31-year-old’s only start under Andoni Iraola coming in an EFL Cup game at Swansea City in August.

He has made just nine appearances this campaign, totalling 144 minutes.

Asked if he pinpointed December as a time when he may get some chances to play, given Cherries have seven fixtures this month, Moore said: “Of course, football is very demanding and the December schedule is very busy.

“It’s a squad game and if called upon, like on Wednesday, I can come on and make a big impact, I love doing that.

“As long as I can bring something valuable to the team, I’m more than happy.”

Moore joined Cherries for around £5million in January 2022 and scored the goal which clinched promotion from the Championship.

But in almost two years since, he has started just 14 matches.

Asked if he was told when signing for Cherries he may have to play a waiting game behind first-choice forward Dominic Solanke, Moore said: “No, not at all. Me personally, I wouldn’t ever come to a club and just be happy to be part of the squad in that way, never really starting.

“I think for me now it is just keep my head down, keep doing my extras, keep working hard and hopefully have more moments like that (at Palace).”

Bournemouth Echo:

Despite Moore’s lack of match minutes, Iraola has maintained in recent weeks Moore can be “valuable” for Cherries in certain “conditions”.

Asked if the game at Selhurst Park demonstrated exactly that, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “Yes. I think it is difficult for him, playing the minutes he played and then contributing.

“He was ready to help us with set pieces defensively and in the press.

“It (the goal) was also a play where he kept the ball, he made it possible, and in the end he could even finish it after a very good pass from Philip (Billing).

“Obviously you are very happy when this happens, because for sure there are players where for me it is difficult that I don’t give them time, because the ones that are playing right now are performing so well that it is not fair.

“But they are difficult decisions. Whenever a player like Kieff comes on, plays the minutes he plays and scores, it is very good also for the club.”