AFC Bournemouth first team boss Andoni Iraola has commended development squad head coach Alan Connell for “adapting” in the second half of the season.

In their first season as a Category Two academy, Cherries have proven more than competitive in the Professional Development League, sitting fourth in the southern section of the league.

Connell has had to deal with huge swathes of his older players heading out on loans at their benefit of their development, as well as bedding in younger talents from Cherries' academy.

On Friday Cherries hosted Sheffield United at Vitality Stadium, with Iraola watching on from the stands.

The Blades are the current reigning champions of the northern section of the league for the past two seasons, and their quality showed in an eventual 2-0 defeat.

Iraola told the Daily Echo: “Sheffield United was the best opposition I've seen here, especially in the stadium.

“They were really good, very good, prospects and they played really well.

“But I think we gave them a game.

“I think Alan (Connell) has been adapting because I think they've been very, very good, especially first half of the season.

“And then for the development of the players, there has been some players on loan and looking to increase their opposition level.

“They are now introducing new players, even younger ones, and they can be still competitive.

“I think they are doing a good job.”

Numerous development squad players have featured in matchday squads with the first team this season, including Dominic Sadi and Daniel Adu-Adjei.

The latest youngster to be involved with the senior side has been Malcom Dacosta Gonzalez, who was named on the bench for Premier League fixtures with Manchester United and Aston Villa.

Asked about Gonzalez, Iraola continued: “He has been part of the trainings some weeks when we need help, especially outfield.

“He has also been training with us this week, but we considered he needed the minutes today with the development squad.

“But he will continue working with us.”