ANDONI Iraola believes Kieffer Moore and Gavin Kilkenny “deserve” their loan moves, admitting transfer deadline day proved “difficult”.

As has been the case in recent years, Cherries were involved in some chaotic final hours of the transfer window, complicated by having a Premier League game at West Ham United.

Shortly before Cherries drew 1-1 at London Stadium, Moore’s loan to Ipswich Town was confirmed, while after the game finished, Kilkenny’s move to Fleetwood Town was confirmed, while Enes Unal arrived from Getafe.

There were also moves in and out of the younger age groups in the final hours. Owen Bevan joined Hibernian on loan, Daniel Adu-Adjei completed a temporary loan switch to Leyton Orient, while Ben Greenwood links up with Eastleigh until the end of the season.

There was also an addition in 17-year-old goalkeeper Callan McKenna, who has played first-team football this season with Scottish side Queen’s Park.

Discussing the exits of Moore and Kilkenny, who have struggled for game-time this term at Cherries, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “Like most of the departures, it is a matter of players wanting to play more minutes. Wanting to have more starts, more chances.

“I think they’ve found good places to go.

“I hope they have a good second part of the season, because both players deserve it.”

Both Moore and Kilkenny travelled with the squad to London ahead of the West Ham game, the latter even named as a substitute, before moving to Fleetwood shortly after the final whistle.

“It was a difficult day, because you don’t know what is going to happen,” admitted Iraola.

“It was one where obviously we wanted to keep Kieff if we didn’t sign another striker.

“Everyone knew what the situation was and it was matter of if it happens, we know what is going to happen.

“Also if it doesn’t, Kieffer would have been the first one to be involved in the game, trying to help. But it has happened.

“Also I have to thank Gav Kilkenny, because also knowing his situation, he was the first one who wanted to be on the bench.

“And if we needed him during the game, he would have been really happy to help us.”