MARCUS Browning believes "the sky's the limit" for Cherries playmaker Brian Stock - providing he keeps his feet on the ground.

Ever-present Stock has been a revelation in central midfield, playing a key role in Cherries' League One and Carling Cup success this season.

The 22-year-old is also enjoying his longest run of league starts having been restricted to just 44 in his first four seasons as a pro.

And Browning is convinced Cherries fans are starting to see the best of Stock who became a father for the first time in August when his fiance Krystilee gave birth to a son, Harley Joseph.

Browning, who rooms with Stock during away trips, told the Daily Echo: "He's been playing very well and I'm really pleased for him.

"He's put in some great performances and he looks like he's maturing. There's no reason why he can't go on and on.

"He can tackle, he's a great passer and he's got a good engine. He's got everything and he's certainly got the potential to play at a higher level. But it's just up to him now; he can go as high as he wants.

"If he's willing to put the work and dedication in, look after himself and do all the right things then I don't see why he can't reach the top.

"The sky's the limit for him. But he's got to make those sacrifices and maybe becoming a father has been good for him.

"It's helped calm him down and he is really concentrating on his football."

During his enigmatic early days, Wales under-21 international Stock was told by former Cherries coach Peter Grant that he would either be "a Premiership player or a pub player".

Browning added: "I've heard the manager say that a couple of times and I think Stocky's mentioned it to me in the room.

"Of course he can be a Premiership player, but if he doesn't get it right off the pitch, he could end up being a pub player.

"We all know he's had the potential, it's just been a case of waiting for him to fulfil it so hopefully now it looks like he is and he can carry that on."

A product of the Cherries youth set-up, Stock took time to adjust to life in the pro ranks after signing his first contract soon after making his debut as an 18-year-old.

Stock told the Daily Echo: "I enjoyed myself when I was younger just like any other teenager. At the time, I didn't realise what it took to become a professional footballer. I thought it would be easy.

"But a few years ago, Sean sat me down and we had a chat about it. It was a real eye-opener. He pointed me in the right direction and it's paid off. He felt it would be beneficial if I moved closer to Bournemouth and I moved back into digs with Ken and Audrey (Sullivan). I owe them a lot.

"All I did for three months was go out and play Bingo with Ken and moving back really helped me focus on my football.

"I think Harley has brought me on another level and my fiance Krystilee also helps because she realises what my work entails.

"My mum and dad have always been very supportive as well. They took me everywhere when I was a kid and helped me through the downs during the early part of my career."

Stock added: "Every now and again someone brings up Granty's famous quote about the pub player or Premiership player and I can only take it as a compliment coming from someone like him.

"I know it's in my hands and it's all down to me. The answer to which one I want it to be is obvious."

First published: October 18