Bournemouth manager Scott Parker believes Gavin Kilkenny will excel at Stoke City.

The Republic of Ireland under-21 international Kilkenny has joined the Potters on a season-long deal.

"We just felt it was best for Gav," Parker told the club website, when asked about the loan decision.

"He was pivotal for us at the start of the season and then probably didn't play as much at the back end due to player form and players coming back.

"We felt it would be best for his development and for us as a football club for him to go on loan and experience another season, playing games and playing in a different environment.

"I think he will be a better player for that rather than staying with us and maybe being on the fringes of things."