FORMER Banbury United boss Paul Davis said that Jordan Green has surpassed even his high expectations after the winger joined Premier League newcomers Bournemouth.

Davis brought Green to the Spencer Stadium last season and was always confident the 20-year-old would step up to the professional game, but admitted the move had taken him by surprise.

“After the very first time he trained with us I said to his agent that he would play in the Football League,” said Davis.

“But it seems he’s gone one step further.”

Green’s rise from Southern League Premier Division relegation with Banbury last season to a one-year with the Cherries has been remarkable.

Released from the Fulham Academy at 16, the diminutive wide man was on the verge of quitting after suffering relegation with the Puritans in April.

He said: “At the end of last season I thought about stopping playing football.

“The agent I was talking to told me he had an opportunity for me down at Bournemouth.

“I’ve been playing football for as long as I can remember, so it would have been disappointing for me and everyone who knows me if I had quit.”

Instead Green is now preparing for a new life as part of Bournemouth’s Under 21s squad after impressing in trial matches against Arsenal, Hamworthy Recreation and Salisbury.

And his former manager is confident he will be a success on the south coast.

“Jordan used to travel 70 miles from east London for training, so that shows his dedication,” said Davis.

“The money we were paying didn’t even cover his expenses, so you could see how much he wanted it.

“He was arguably our best player last season, and when he’s on his game he’s absolutely untouchable in that division.

“Of course it’s a big step up to play Premiership football, but if he’s given the opportunity he will excel.”