Iraola is hopeful more Academy players can continue to get a chance in the first team after Daniel Adu-Adjei made his first team debut in the FA Cup.
Daniel Adu-Adjei is the first academy player to make his debut under Iraola, a big step forward for Cherrie’s academy.
Adu-Adjei made his first team debut in the FA Cup win against QPR after he replaced Philip Billing in the 89th minute.
Since then, the 18-year-old has played for the development squad and scored the only goal in their 1-0 win over Bristol City.
Speaking to afcbtv, Adu-Adjei talked about making his first team debut on the weekend. He said: “It was a really big milestone for me in my career.
“I’m really grateful for all the support in getting to that stage, so it was a really good experience, and hopefully I can use that experience to make myself more hungry to get some more appearances.”
The last players from the Cherries Academy to make their debuts in the first team was back in August 2022 under Scott Parker.
Dominic Sadi and Brooklyn Gensini came off the bench in the Carabao Cup match against Norwich.
Speaking to the Daily Echo, Cherries manager Iraola spoke about what they need towards the end of the game and the impact of Adu-Adjei on the game.
He said: “I think he did well.
“I think we needed someone fresh to finish the game, to help us in the press, to attack the spaces a little bit, and win us some balls up front.
“It is for sure good news for him and all the academy and second team.
“I hope we can continue, whenever it is needed, to have the chance to use these players.”
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