PAUL Groves believes consistency will be decisive in determining whether bad boy Donal McDermott can go on to fulfil his rich potential with Cherries.

McDermott repaid Groves for handing him his first start since March by netting for Cherries during their 1-1 draw at Scunthorpe on Saturday.

The Irishman has struggled for form since joining Cherries in January and has also been plagued by off-field problems, including a recent conviction for drink-driving.

McDermott, who was disciplined after missing the team coach to Bury earlier this month, was one of four changes made by Groves for the trip to Glanford Park.

Caretaker boss Groves said: “It has been difficult for Donal. It has been a little bit of an up-and-down period, having to deal with what has gone on with his situation.

“There have been periods in training when he has been lively and bright and has shown what he is capable of. There have been periods when he has struggled to cope with what has gone on during his time here.

“Only time will tell with regards to how Donal continues to work. While we are around, we will continue to try to help improve him.

“It is about trying to get the best out of him and also making sure he is responsible and keeps himself working in a proper way, on and off the pitch.

“At times, he shows good ability and he has got good feet. But he has got to produce a final pass and a goal. He is in a position where he can hurt the opposition and has got to hurt them on a regular basis.

“Everybody needs confidence to go out there and play. It was his first start for a while and he has been through a lot of late. There are areas you can work with and areas he can get better at, like with every other player.”

Groves also handed starts to goalkeeper Shwan Jalal, defender Stephane Zubar and striker Lyle Taylor, while youth team graduate Josh Wakefield came off the bench in the second half.

“Josh showed in glimpses what he is capable of,” said Groves. “He is an intelligent and responsible player and he saw plenty of the pitch in terms of getting himself into good situations and executing the final pass to give people opportunities.”

Discussing the changes, Groves added: “We are in the latter part of the season and it probably needed freshening up a little bit.

“Overall, you probably wouldn’t be too happy in terms of the results and some of the performances so you have got to have competition. One or two people have shown different bits in training so I felt they deserved an opportunity to show what they are capable of.”