BOSS Andoni Iraola insists he did not substitute Alex Scott against Crystal Palace “because he was very bad”.

After a goalless first half at Vitality Stadium, Scott was withdrawn and replaced by Antoine Semenyo, as Iraola shuffled his defensive line, bringing Lewis Cook from centre-back into midfield. Cherries went on to win 1-0.

Scott was also substituted at half-time of the recent comeback win over Luton Town, at which point Cherries were trailing 3-0, before remaining an unused substitute for the first time during Saturday’s victory against Everton.

Discussing the early withdrawal of the 20-year-old against the Eagles, Iraola said: “I didn’t take him off because he was very bad.

“I took him off because I wanted to put Ant on and I also decided to mark (Eberechi) Eze differently.

“Between Zaba (Illia Zabarnyi) and Lew, you are more defensive-minded.

“This relationship where Eze plays in between. That was the main reason.”