CHERRIES defender Steve Cook hailed the impact made by “outstanding” Asmir Begovic since his arrival at Vitality Stadium.

Goalkeeper Begovic helped rescue a point for Cherries when he saved a late Christian Benteke penalty during the 2-2 draw against Crystal Palace on Saturday.

Begovic has been ever present in the Premier League following his £10million summer move from Chelsea.

The Bosnian stopper has kept an impressive 54 clean sheets across his 206-game career in the top flight.

Cook told the Daily Echo: “Asmir has fitted in really well and has made some big saves for us.

“There are only positives to say about him from me and, hopefully, that will continue. He has been outstanding for us this season and credit to him.

“He has been in the Premier League for a long time and is a massive presence. He is a huge character, a really nice guy and has had a huge impact.

“I think the squad now is looking very strong. We have become more experienced and have goalkeepers who can add that final touch.

“You know if there is going to be a one-on-one, there is a big chance he will save it. It gives you a lot more confidence and I think that has shown.

“We have been a lot better defensively and that is what we need to do to move forward.”

Begovic's last-gasp penalty save came after Charlie Daniels had been judged by referee Kevin Friend to have fouled Wilfried Zaha – a call Cook believed the official had got wrong.

He also felt a spot-kick should not have been awarded in the first half when Zaha went down under the challenge of Begovic.

“I didn’t think either of them were penalties so it was very disappointing,” said Cook.

“I thought we were very hard done by and it was probably justice when Asmir made the save.”

Cook will now turn his attention to trying to deal with a potent Manchester United strike-force including Romelu Lukaku when Cherries travel to Old Trafford on Wednesday (8pm).

The former Brighton man featured when Lukaku scored four times during Cherries' chastening 6-3 defeat at Everton in February.

But the centre-half insisted that difficult day would not be on his mind.

He added: “We want to be able to keep him quiet. Every team you face has a big, strong, quick striker, it’s just the way the game has gone.

“It’s another player and another game. We still back ourselves whoever we play and think we can win.

“We have a lot of games coming up. I think the manager said in an interview that there would be rotation so whoever plays will be ready at Old Trafford.”

Cook played his part in 10-man Cherries earning a 1-1 with United in the corresponding fixture last season.

Cherries stood firm after Andrew Surman had been sent off for collecting a second booking on the stroke of half-time.