DANIEL Adu-Adjei’s team bosses Alan Connell and Andoni Iraola believe the youngster’s professional debut was a big moment for Cherries’ academy.

Striker Adu-Adjei came off the bench in the closing stages as Cherries beat Queens Park Rangers 3-2 in the FA Cup at Loftus Road on Saturday.

Three days later, the 18-year-old scored the winner for the development squad, as they beat Bristol City 1-0.

Adu-Adjei was the first academy player Iraola has given a debut to, since becoming head coach last summer.

The last time a Cherries academy player made their first-team debut was in August 2022, when both Brooklyn Genesini and Dominic Sadi came off the bench in an EFL Cup game at Norwich City, under Scott Parker.

Discussing Adu-Adjei’s debut, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “Especially without Dom (Solanke), I think we needed someone fresh to finish the game, to help us in the press, to attack the spaces a little bit and win us some balls up front.

“I think he did well.

“It is for sure good news for him and all of the academy and second team.

“I hope we can continue, whenever it is needed, to have the chance to use these players.”

Speaking after Tuesday's win at Bristol City about Adu-Adjei's debut, Cherries’ development squad boss Connell told afcbTV: “Obviously that’s what we’re working towards every day.

“Ben Greenwood was in the squad as well, so that was nice, to have the two boys in the squad. And for Daniel to make his professional debut was obviously a big moment for him and for us as an academy and a club as well.

“With Ben and Daniel, they trained on Monday with us and their attitudes were real first class. Then they showed that in the game on Tuesday.

“They’re desperate to do well, desperate to perform, desperate to win. These are the sort of attitudes we want and what I think our academy stands for. 

“So I’m pleased with Daniel’s debut. He’s worked ever so hard for that and he’s still only 18, so there’s a lot more development to come for him.”

Connell added: “It’s happened quite a lot this season where we’ve won 1-0 and he’s scored the goal.

“When you’ve got a goalscorer like that in your team, you’ve always got a chance.

“For him, if you can arrive at the right place, at the right time, then he could have a very successful career ahead of him.”

Adu-Adjei is set to lead the line again for Cherries tomorrow, when they welcome Cardiff City to New Cuthbury in the Professional Development League (1pm).