Alex Scott feels Channel Islands' footballers face lack of opportunities to reach potential

Premier League midfielder Alex Scott has told ITV News that other talented Guernsey and Jersey footballers are being held back from reaching their potential.

The 20-year-old, who also represented England at youth level, made a £25 million move to AFC Bournemouth in the summer but feels a lack of chances for young players to showcase their talent to top scouts means many will not make it.

He explained: "If scouts were coming over to watch teams and watch players at a young age I think it would definitely fuel players to go down the right path and push them to be a footballer.

"If it's possible to get more scouts over then you know that would be amazing for both islands.

"The important people that decide who get the trials and get the opportunities, I think it’s the flights for them. I don’t think they get the chance to fly over as much as they could.

"That’s why it’s so important that Guernsey FC and Jersey Bulls play in leagues in the UK."

In recent years, we have seen an increase in the number of island-footballers making it to the national level.

Guernsey's Maya Le Tissier signed for Manchester United in July 2022, and later went on to represent England as part of the Lionesses squad.

Former GFC players Ben Acey and Tim Ap Sion also made the move to Championship sides in the UK, as well as Jersey teenager Callum Osmand signing a professional contract with Fulham this summer, alongside midfielder Luke Harris.

Scott now has several appearances for the Cherries under his belt, despite injury putting a halt to a portion of this season.

But, after intense physiotherapy, Scott says he is ready to be back on the pitch and show what he can do.

Scott said: "I'm really happy with where I am. This is the best I've probably felt since arriving at Bournemouth.

"After the first match I felt like I was doing well, finding form and playing some of my best football really. But then to be hit with the injury again in the game against Man City, was really tough mentally.

"I remember I was quite upset for sure, a few days after the second injury and I was in the gym - it's a long road ahead at that point. Adam Smith, who is such a leader here, could see I was upset and came over and said some nice things, making sure I was comfortable and had my back through it all."

But Scott's return to the pitch was eagerly anticipated by both fans of the club and his football-family back home in Guernsey.

He added: "I’m a Guernsey boy and was there for most of my life until 16. I know I’ve got that backing from everyone at home.

"I'll always remember where I came from and how important it was playing football back home and that made me into the player I am today so I’ll be forever grateful to all the coaches and players I played with when I was younger.

"I know for me especially, and I can speak for the other lads, we are going to be forever grateful for what Tony [Vance] did for us. Throwing us in at such a young age, and being a manager for Guernsey - there's always going to be pressure on him to get those results.

"To throw 16-year-olds on the pitch because he thinks we're good enough, it's massive from him.

"Hopefully one day I can pay him back with a nice meal or something."

During AFC Bournemouth's Boxing Day clash against Fulham, Scott secured his first Premier League assist, resulting in the 3-0 win over the Londoners.

Fellow Channel Islander Luke Harris was also named on the visitor team sheet, in what is thought to be the first Premier League match to feature a Guernsey and Jersey player since Matt Le Tissier and Graeme Le Saux.

Scott was also awarded Player of the Match.

Scott and his Bournemouth team mates are now preparing to take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday 31 December, a team which Scott and his family have been supporters of for a long time.

Ahead of the match, Scott said he was looking forward to finally having the opportunity to play against some of the best.

"I'm excited. I was injured the last time we played Spurs here at the start of the season, so go to the Stadium there and play the team I grew up supporting and loved as a child, it will be a special feeling for sure."

Despite the Scott family's love for London-side Spurs, Alex is confident he'll still have his whole family's support from the stands.

"Their son is playing for Bournemouth so obviously he's going to be cheering for me. My granddad was at the Man United game at Old Trafford, and he's a Man United fan, even he was supporting Bournemouth as well. So I think if Bournemouth are playing, they're going to be supporting us. But if Spurs are playing anyone else, then he's big on Spurs."

AFC Bournemouth play Tottenham Hotspurs at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium at 2pm on Sunday.

Over the past 12 months, athletes from across the Channel Islands have seen an influx of success. Keilan Webster takes a look back at what the islands' sporting stars had to offer in 2023.

Want to find out more about the stories making the headlines? Don't miss Channelcast - the Channel Islands current affairs podcast brought to you by ITV News: