AFC BOURNEMOUTH boss Eddie Howe has tasked Jayden Stockley with following the lead of youth team graduate Danny Ings.

Howe gave Stockley the green light to join Dorchester Town on a month’s loan at the end of last week with the striker making an immediate impact on his debut.

Stockley, who was fast-tracked into the Cherries first-team ranks in the summer, netted twice during the Magpies’ 3-2 defeat by Blue Square Bet South rivals Ebbsfleet United last Saturday.

Howe’s decision to allow Ings to further his footballing education at Dorchester earlier this season paid dividends with the 18-year-old having forced his way into the first team over the festive period.

And Howe is hoping for similar progress from 17-year-old Stockley, who is six months into a two-year apprenticeship, after which he will sign a three-year professional contract.

Howe said: “The next stage of Jayden’s development is to go out and play games and follow the success of Danny Ings.

“Dorchester was very good for Danny and Danny was very good for them so it was a good combination.

“You can see the difference it has made to Danny’s game since he has come back.

“The loan spell really helped his game, improved him and brought him that much closer to the first team. We hope the same will happen with Jayden.

“Going to Dorchester sees these lads play competitive games in a man’s environment. They have to grow up quickly and adjust to the demands. It is a really good learning experience for them.”

Stockley shot to prominence last season and became the second youngest player to represent the club in the league after coming off the bench against Chesterfield in October 2009.

Howe added: “Jayden was probably pushed a little bit too early for our liking due to the shortage of numbers but got an opportunity which was great for him.

“You have to take a long-term view with all the players. We would love Jayden to develop quickly and get into our first team quickly but everybody will find the right time.

“I’ve said it many times before, young players will get an opportunity when they are ready and this is the next stage for Jayden.

“He needs to do well at Dorchester. He got off to a great start on Saturday with two goals and, hopefully, that will be the start of a really successful loan period.

“When he comes back to us, hopefully, his game will have developed further and he will have benefited from the experience.”