COOL customer Ryan Allsop is relishing the challenge of being Cherries number one and insists he is ready for the heat of the promotion battle.

The 20-year-old has emerged as an influential player since being thrown in at the deep end during the crucial closing stages of Cherries’ League One campaign.

Allsop has earned an impressive record of four clean sheets and five victories in his six appearances so far for the Dean Court outfit.

The January signing, who is nicknamed Rocky, is relatively inexperienced having previously made just 20 league appearances for former employers Leyton Orient.

But the Birmingham-born stopper, who made his Cherries debut against leaders Doncaster, said he felt ready when called upon despite the vital stage of the season.

Allsop told the Daily Echo: “I always felt I was ready for it and that I could come here, go straight in and do a job. I did well when I was at Orient and knew that I could also come here and do well.

“As a footballer, you have always got to be ready to go straight in, play games, do well for the team and help out your team-mates.

“It helps being part of it. When you are playing, you feel more a part of it.

“I wanted to come from Orient and play straight away so I was always ready for the challenge. I wanted to come here and push for promotion with the lads.”

Allsop has looked a calm figure between the sticks since his selection and he believes his role in the team includes providing a reassuring presence.

He said: “As a goalkeeper, you have to keep your head and you have to instil confidence in your team.

“I think you have to be quite calm and collected.”

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s Dean Court clash with Notts County (3pm), Allsop added: “I am really enjoying myself. It is nice to be playing.

“The lads have taken to me well and they got me involved straight away, so I settled in really well.

“It is a good group of lads here, they have all welcomed me and included me in everything. That has helped a lot.”

Cherries manager Eddie Howe, who picked Allsop at the expense of Shwan Jalal, said: “He has done really well. He is laid-back, very level-headed and a conscientious worker.

“He wants to improve and, for a young player, doesn’t let anything affect him.

“I think he has been an assuring presence at the back and has certainly played his part in our victories.”