CHERRIES development head coach Alan Connell believes the entirety of AFC Bournemouth’s academy were given a lift by seeing youngster Dominic Sadi make his Premier League debut.

During Cherries’ 3-0 win over Brighton at the end of April, Sadi was introduced off the bench in stoppage time to make his top-flight bow.

It follows a first appearance in the FA Cup for the club earlier this campaign, with the midfielder having made his Cherries debut in the EFL Cup at the start of the 2022/23 campaign.

Asked if everyone around the youth set-up had shared Sadi’s excitement, Connell told the Daily Echo: “Absolutely.

“I think, we are a Premier League club, so the jump for our players is massive.

“There's no doubt about that.

“So these players have got to be ready for those opportunities, whether that's to train with the first team or whether that’s to make sure they're playing well for the development squad.

“In Dom's case, to be ready to come on and make his debut in the Premier League.

“It gives everyone a lift - Dom individually, his teammates and I think the academy as a whole.

“Because ultimately we're trying to give these players not only a better career, but I think the biggest thing - the way I look at coaching - is you can you can help impact and improve players’ lives.

“And I think that's the most powerful motivation for me.”

Sadi’s development squad teammate Daniel Adu-Adjei also achieved a recent first, scoring his first professional goal whilst out on loan at Leyton Orient in League One.

During the spell the striker endured time out of the team and on the bench, which Connell believes can only help the former Poole Town loanee.

“Daniel's a good example,” continued Connell.

“Physically, he's kicked on again by having that loan spell.

“I think mentally might be the biggest thing as well, seeing the levels, going and playing against these higher caliber players.

“I actually think Daniel's had a great experience, for example.

“He's had the League One experience he's been coming on, he started games, he's scored, he's been left out, and he's still played games for us in this time, when the opportunity has arisen.

“So overall development of these players is our primary focus. And he's had a great season.

“That's only going to benefit him and us as a club in the future.”