Cherries assistant boss Steve Fletcher has challenged young strikers Lyle Taylor and Jayden Stockley to follow the lead of Josh McQuoid.

Taylor and Stockley were restricted to bit-parts as Cherries more than held their own during a memorable first season back in League One.

Summer signing Taylor, 21, made just three starts – all under former boss Eddie Howe – and also had loan spells with non-league Lewes and Woking.

Stockley, 17, was restricted to four substitute appearances in the league, although did make his full debut in the Johnstone’s Paint Trophy. He also had a brief loan spell with Dorchester.

Prior to his explosive entrance last season, McQuoid, who hit 12 goals in just 16 starts, had found himself behind more established strikers in the pecking order.

But his exploits after stepping up to the plate following Brett Pitman’s departure to Bristol City also earned him a move to the Championship, with Millwall.

Fletcher told the Daily Echo: “We have got an array of good strikers and Jayden and Lyle are two of them. They have got to be looking to take a leaf out of Josh’s book next season.

“Josh was a fringe player for a couple of seasons and didn’t always make the squad. He had a few cameos here and there but really made his mark last season.

“He went away this time last year and realised what he needed to do to get into the first team. He was a revelation and grabbed his opportunity with both hands.

“Jayden and Lyle saw what happened and have got to try to do the same. Josh was a different animal when he came back last season and got his just rewards.”

Fletcher is likely to be one of seven strikers boss Lee Bradbury will have at his disposal when pre-season starts in July. He will be vying for a place with Stockley, Taylor, Steve Lovell, Michael Symes and Danny Ings, while Ben Williamson is still in talks over a new contract.

“Everyone, including me, will be on a level playing field when we come back,” said Fletcher. “It will be down to everybody to impress and, whoever does that the most, will be involved in the first game of the season. Whoever is on fire when we come back will get an opportunity.

“Places will be up for grabs and it will be a challenging time for the young lads. They will see who they think is ahead of them and realise what they have got to do to get in. Josh saw that last season and made sure he was ready when his chance came along. They need to do the same.”