Ghana winger Christian Atsu is delighted to have finally made his long awaited debut for AFC Bournemouth in their penalty shootout win over Preston North End on Tuesday.

The 23-year-old has endured a frustrating stint since his loan arrival from Chelsea in the summer with his lack of playing time.

Atsu was however handed his first ever start for Bournemouth who came from behind to clinch a 3-2 penalty shootout win over Preston in the English League Cup.

The Ghana international who emerged the Most Valuable Player at the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations said after the game: “Great to play last night….onto the next round!”

Atsu will now be hoping his debut was impressive enough to convince manager Eddie Howe into giving him his Premier League debut this weekend when Bournemouth travel to face Stoke City.