Scott Parker gives verdict on Manchester United loanee Ethan Laird after tough period

After what has been a difficult loan period for the Manchester United youngster, Bournemouth manager Scott Parker is delighted with Ethan Laird.

Laird enjoyed a good first half of the season on loan at Swansea City, but the 20-year-old has suffered with injuries since joining Championship rivals Bournemouth. Laird made his first start for his temporary club on Good Friday, despite arriving in January.

Parker granted Laird another start against Coventry City on Easter Monday after being impressed by his efforts in keeping a clean sheet for the Cherries against Middlesbrough. Parker was eager to express his excitement with United’s youngster when asked about him.

According to the Daily Echo, he said: “He’s done a fantastic job. He’s done a fantastic job for me.

“To be honest with you, I’m happy for him because he’s had a difficult life. He entered the building, got injured, and was forced to leave for an extended period of time.

“Then he had a difficult time fitting into the team and even getting about the team. I was always in direct contact with him, explaining and being completely honest with him about what he needed to do, bring, and how he needed to apply himself in order to join the team.

“And he’s earned his right to be in the side by doing all of it. He’d been waiting for a while.

“He’s already played in the last two games, and I’m really happy with him. Now he must manage it and preserve it where it is.”