YOUNG striker Jonny Stuttle says he is “definitely excited to be back” and is ready to show what he can do for AFC Bournemouth's development squad.

EchoSport spoke to Stuttle following his goal and the Cherries' 2-1 win over Ipswich Town on Monday night.

Stuttle made his return to Alan Connell’s squad for the trip to Portman Road.

“It’s always a nice feeling to come back into the starting eleven, I’m definitely excited to be back and show what I can do,” he said. 

Stuttle played as though he had never been away, terrorising the Tractor Boys’ defence throughout the clash. Towards the end of the first half, he would get his goal.

“A goal is always a nice feeling, especially when it tops off a performance like that!” Stuttle said. 

Stuttle drifted in from the right flank, riding several challenges before slotting the ball into the bottom corner from distance.

The Bournemouth academy star is a powerful forward who embraces the physical nature of football. This sets him apart at youth level.

He said: “It’s definitely a huge part of my game and something that I do, for sure, strive off of!”

Ipswich’s captain Jakubas Mazionis was sent off following a foul on Stuttle.

“I love getting into physical battles with defenders and that was something that was on display against Ipswich especially with their centre half getting sent off for it,” Stuttle explained. 

With Monday’s victory, the Development Squad continue to apply serious pressure to the two teams above them. Just two points separates the young Cherries from their goal of becoming league leaders.

Stuttle spoke on his role within Alan Connell’s side, and what he can bring to help reach the summit of the division.

“Like everyone in and around the team, my role is important, scoring goals is my job and primary objective, at the moment I’m doing that so hopefully I can continue to do so and bring my other abilities to the table," Stuttle said. 

"That will most definitely help us to kick on and reach where we want to be!”