Iraola wary of threat from ‘really good player’ and former Cherries target Jackson

BOSS Andoni Iraola is wary of the threat posed by Nicolas Jackson on Sunday, as the Chelsea forward faces the side who previously moved to sign him.

After medical examinations in the January transfer window, Cherries opted not to push ahead with a £20.3million deal for the Villarreal forward.

Jackson impressed towards the end of the season in La Liga, earning him a big-money move to Chelsea in the summer, penning an eight-year deal at Stamford Bridge.

Cherries owner Bill Foley has since said the club made a “mistake” in not signing the Senegal international, who has scored once in four Premier League appearances so far for Chelsea.

Discussing the 22-year-old, who featured against his Rayo Vallecano side last season, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “It is a player I know really well, because he also played in Mirandes.

“I faced him with Villarreal. He is a very, very good player.

“He has the threat with his speed to attack the spaces.

“But he is very good also when he receives, turns and attacks one against one.

“I think he will provide not only the goals, but a lot of chances.

“He will work well with the other forwards. I think he is a really good player.”

Discussing Jackson’s time at Mirandes, a club Iraola previously managed, Cherries’ boss said: “I didn’t coach him, but he went there when he was really young.

“He played there in the second division.”

Up front for Cherries against the Blues at Vitality Stadium is set to be former Chelsea striker Dominic Solanke.

The 26-year-old has had a hectic week, signing a contract extension at Cherries, celebrating his birthday and also becoming a father for the first time, to daughter Amaya.

“It was busy days for Dom with his first child, a new contract and also it was his birthday,” said Iraola.

“So a lot of things to be happy about and congratulate.

“We hope he has a good game on Sunday.

“Normally when you have a child, they always say good news is coming.

“So let’s hope that he can score on Sunday!”