TYLER Adams admits it was a “tough discussion” when speaking with USA boss Gregg Berhalter about managing his match minutes.

The Cherries midfielder scored a stunning goal just before half-time to set USA on their way to victory over rivals Mexico in the Nations League final, before being substituted at the break.

That came after Adams had been brought on and taken off again during their extra time victory over Jamaica in the semi-finals last week.

Berhalter explained this had been due to managing Adams’s minutes, as he makes his return from two hamstring surgeries, which have restricted him to just two substitute appearances for Cherries this season.

Discussing the situation, Cherries head coach Andoni Iraola insisted how many minutes Adams could play had not come as a request from the club, but that he had been in touch with Berhalter.

Speaking after defeating Mexico, Adams told CBS, in quotes reported by Goal: “I told him (Berhalter) I wanted to play 120 (minutes) against Mexico.

“So to come out at half-time was obviously disappointing, especially after scoring a goal.

“I understand we have to be smart for the long-term plan. It’s not just to play minutes now, it’s to play in the Copa America and so on.

“I still have a long career ahead of me. I want to be smart in what I’m doing, but it was a tough discussion.”

Adams will hope to get more game-time when returning to Cherries ahead of Saturday’s home game against Everton (3pm).