NEW signing Yann Kermorgant insists age will be no barrier as he attempts to help Cherries go from strength to strength in the Championship.

Kermorgant swapped struggling Charlton for mid-table Cherries when he completed a £400,000 move from the Valley on the final day of the transfer window.

The striker, who penned a two-and-a-half year deal, showed some nice touches after he had come off the bench during Cherries’ 1-0 defeat by leaders Leicester six days ago.

And although the Frenchman’s signing may have raised a few eyebrows with some Cherries supporters due to his age, the 32-year-old maintains he still has plenty to offer.

Kermorgant, who is known as ‘the beast from Brittany’ due to his powerful frame, told the Daily Echo: “I know the manager is not known for signing older players like me but I am very young in my mind and my head. I easily still have a few years in front of me so it is not a problem.

“When I met the manager, I was very impressed. I like the way he plays, what he wants to do and what he wants to achieve with the club.

"I just want to play in a good team who try to play on the floor and their passing play is very good. That was enough to convince me to come.

“The manager said the owner was very important and wanted to push for promotion in the next few years.

“It is important for me to have a project. You never know what is going to happen in the next few months but we will definitely come back next season with high hopes.”

Kermorgant netted 32 times in 96 appearances for Charlton, including 12 goals as the Addicks romped to the League One title in 2011-12 and another dozen to help them achieve a top-10 finish in the Championship last season.

He will be pushing for a start when Cherries face Bolton Wanderers tomorrow (3pm) – with his penultimate Championship goal for Charlton coming during a 1-1 draw at the Reebok Stadium in December.

Kermorgant will be vying for a place with leading goalscorer Lewis Grabban, record signing Tokelo Rantie and Brett Pitman, winner of three Dean Court golden boots.

“We need competition in football and in every sport,” said Kermorgant.

“It is the best way to get the best out of players. I will work hard to get my place in the starting line up and, even if I am on the bench, I will do my best when I come on. I will push every day and every week.

“I want us to finish as high as we can this season and definitely push for the play-offs next season. I think that is a realistic aim.”