DORCHESTER-BORN Antonio Diaz is relishing the challenge of making the step up in AFC Bournemouth’s academy ranks.

The 16-year-old has made the move up to the under-18 squad and marked his arrival in the age group with a sublime 20-yard strike against AFC Wimbledon earlier this month.

Diaz has been with the Cherries since he was eight years old and has seen the rise from a relegation- threatened League Two side to a highflying Premier League outfit, and it is something he still can’t quite believe has happened.

He said: “I was at the game when they stayed in the Football League and it’s crazy to think that they are now competing against top sides.

“It’s unimaginable to think of where they came from.”

Since those dark days, Diaz has been moving up the age groups with the Cherries and although he is from Dorchester, he has taken his club to heart.

“I’ve been there for eight years now and it’s been amazing, you fall in love with the club when you spend so much time there.”

The midfielder spent most of this season with the under-16s but he has enjoyed his starts with the under-18s.

“I’m getting there, it has been a big step up,” he explained.

“I’m feel I’m getting a lot more comfortable in the role and I’m really enjoying the challenge.

“It’s a lot quicker and you have a lot more responsibility with things like set-pieces, but I really like it.

“I feel I am developing, I’m becoming a lot more two-footed, it’s really helping my game.”

Diaz comes from a footballing background with his dad, Tony Diaz, appearing more than 400 times for the Magpies and his son wants to better his father’s career.

Talking about his father, the teenager said: “He did well, he played for England under-18s and for Dorchester but I’d like to push past that and make it as a professional with a big team.

“He keeps me level-headed, he makes sure I know what I’ve done well.

“It gives me more information and he has a great knowledge on the game.”

To get to that point Diaz knows he has a lot of football ahead of him.

He added: “I’m going to work very, very hard. I’m going to keep very level-headed and not get ahead of myself.

“I know I’m not there yet and I’m just going to work on my weaknesses and be the the best that I can be.

“I want to push on next season and become a regular in the under- 18 side and then maybe play a few games for the under-21s.”

While he may have ambitions for the big time, Diaz would be open to a loan move to the Magpies, something he thinks would improve his footballing career.

“If I got the opportunity I would love to play for them. It would be cool to play for your local club.

“They’re a good side and they like to pass the ball around, so I would like to do that.”

With goals like the one he scored against the Dons, he should be on target for a bright future, even if the teenager does not think he will score many better.

“I don’t think I’ve connected with one like that before,” he said modestly.