Howe: McQuoid needs to keep doing the business

AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe believes that Cherries attacker Josh McQuoid can win his place back in the Northern Ireland squad.

McQuoid, a product of the Cherries youth set up has made five appearances for Northern Ireland since making his international debut against Morocco at Windsor Park in November 2010, shortly after he had scored back to back hat-tricks for the Cherries against Tranmere and Walsall.

Following his move to Millwall, his next international appearance was in March 2011 in a European qualifier against Slovenia and he ended the 2010/11 season with his first international start, playing the first half in Northern Ireland's 5-0 defeat to the Republic of Ireland.

In September 2011 he made two late substitute appearances for Northern Ireland in a European Championship qualifier double header against Serbia and Estonia, but has failed to be called up for international duty since.

AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe believes that dropping down from the Championship to League One will not have hampered McQuoid's international ambitions, but believes he will have to continue his recent run of form which has seen him net four goals in his last five appearances for the Cherries.

Howe told the Daily Echo...

"I know Michael O`Neill (Northern Ireland Head coach) and we spoke regularly when I was at Burnley because we had a few lads involved in the international set up. I know Josh is still in his thoughts.

"It is up to Josh to keep doing the business. I am sure they will have representatives here to watch him and, hopefully, he can impress because I would imagine it is never a closed shop. Regardless of whether Josh plays up front or out wide, he just needs to perform well on a consistent basis and score more goals..."

'...Knowing him, knowing his ability and what he can do, I certainly don`t think he should give up on his international career. He is still young and it is all there for him. But he has certainly got to work hard to get back in...'

RednBlack Shack

Don't forget to keep checking the RednBlack Shack for great online deals and help to raise money for the AFC Bournemouth Youth Team.

It's easy to join AFCB Vital

With Vital Bournemouth you can win prizes just by having your say on the articles, polls and forums, click the link to register.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.