AFC BOURNEMOUTH manager Andoni Iraola insisted "it is noticeable" the difference Tyler Dibling has made for Saints this season.

Former Spain international Iraola, 42, made his playing debut for Athletic Bilbao three years before youngster Dibling was born in 2006.

Dibling scored his first senior goal for Saints in last weekend's 1-1 draw with Ipswich Town, having impressed at every opportunity this camp.

Cherries boss Iraola, who will sit in the stands for Monday's clash at Vitality Stadium due to suspension, has pinpointed the threat the teenager poses. 

“He looks very good. He looks very good. He has made the difference in some games," said Iroala, in his pre-match press conference.

Tyler Dibling and Yukinari Sugawara has formed a strong partnershipTyler Dibling and Yukinari Sugawara has formed a strong partnership (Image: Richard Crease)

"It is noticeable when you are 18, to play like this. He's one of the threats that we will have to defend but they will be worried also about the threats we have.

“When you face a Premier League opponent, you will have always difficult wingers, difficult number nine to cover," he continued.

"With Dibling, I think the things he has done, as young as he is, are really, really good. Obviously, you analyse all the information we have.

"He has made a big impact in their games for someone so young. Also, he has a very good combination with the full-back (Yukinari Sugawara).

"I think they've been quite threatening on this right side so we will have to be very good defensively on that side.

"We must also demand them to cover us too because sometimes the best way is to attack them so they are more worried about defending us than opposite."

Bournemouth boss Iraola wants to make it a miserable Monday night for south-coast neighbours Saints at Vitality Stadium.

One of Iraola’s first matches in charge of the Cherries was a 3-2 pre-season friendly win along the coast and he would love a repeat in front of their fans.

He said: “I remember when I arrived in pre-season we played a friendly at St Mary’s. I am sure it’s a game that our supporters want to win for sure.

“It’s always a game that everyone wants to win and considering the opposition and the standings, I think it’s a very important game for us.”