SYLVAIN Distin has backed Christian Atsu to whip up a storm for Cherries despite enduring a cloudy spell with Everton last term.

Chelsea loanee Atsu started just one Premier League match during his season-long stint at Goodison Park where he was a team-mate of Distin.

But while the tricky winger struggled to make an impact for the Toffees, the Premier League’s oldest outfield player reckons Cherries could get the best from their borrowed recruit.

Distin told the Daily Echo: “I really like Christian. He is a genuine guy with good pace and good technique who looks forward every time he gets the ball. It is a shame he didn’t get a chance at Everton.

“But that’s football and now he has the chance to prove his quality to people and I am sure that is what he will do.

“No matter where you are, it is the manager’s choice – that is football. One guy makes the decisions and has 30 players to pick from so you have to accept it.

“The most important thing for him is to keep the right attitude and work the same way he worked at Everton. He will get his chance.

“He is a guy that I respect. It was not easy for him last season but he kept working hard and showed a good attitude at all times.”