BOSS Lee Bradbury voiced his support for Danny Ings and backed the rookie striker to become a “great player” for Cherries.

Ings has produced a series of eye-catching performances in his debut campaign as a professional.

The homegrown forward, who does not turn 19 until July, was thrust into the heat of Cherries’ promotion battle after the exit of Josh McQuoid.

Ings has showed plenty of promise but has hit just three league goals in his 17 starts.

His role has been the topic of discussion after a number of near misses in recent appearances against Charlton Athletic and Bristol Rovers.

Bradbury admits a lot has been asked of the 18-year-old but insists he will come good.

He said: “We do a lot of finishing in training and the strikers are great in training and just need to put that into games.

“Ingsy is a young lad and people forget how young he is.

“He has come into high-pressured games where you have got to take your chances and, unfortunately for him, he hasn’t done that of late.

“But he does a great job for the team and works so hard. He creates a lot of his own chances because of the work rate he puts in and his willingness to run in behind people.

“He has been brilliant and I think, given a little bit more time, he will be a great player for the club.”

Bradbury faces a selection dilemma in the attacking positions ahead of tomorrow’s Dean Court clash against Tranmere Rovers (3pm), with a number of players vying for a starting place, including experienced frontman Steve Lovell.

“Steve is back fit and he is a player that has played at a higher level than this and with three or four times the size of the crowds and expectations,” said Bradbury.

“That is something he could handle and he is a good finisher. He has got a calm head on his shoulders and works very hard as well. We are spoiled for choice at the moment.”

Cherries will be bidding to end a six-match winless run this weekend when they face relegation threatened Tranmere.

Club captain Warren Cummings (ankle) could be fit enough to challenge for a starting place. Bradbury reported that Michael Symes (groin) was set for a further week to 10 days on the sidelines, with Rhoys Wiggins (buttock) and Jon Stewart (calf) also struggling.