CHERRIES star Lewis Grabban is desperate to maintain his fruitful start to the season as he bids to finally establish himself in the Championship.

Striker Grabban has netted five times in seven starts, his goalscoring exploits pivotal as Eddie Howe’s men have adjusted to the step up from League One.

The 25-year-old probably has more reason than most to prove himself in the second flight, having had a taste as a teenager with former club Crystal Palace.

Grabban, handed his Eagles debut at 17, looked destined for a bright future after being named Academy scholar of the year at Selhurst Park in 2006.

But despite showing rich promise, his career at Palace failed to take off and he was eventually sold to London rivals Millwall just days after his 20th birthday in January 2008.

He helped the Lions reach the League One play-off final in 2009 – and started at Wembley in their 3-2 defeat by Scunthorpe – before joining Brentford on a free in 2011.

Grabban then dropped into League Two with Rotherham, his 18 goals in his first season with the Millers earning him a £300,000 move to Dean Court 15 months ago.

And despite an inauspicious start to his Cherries career, Grabban has flourished under Howe’s management and hit 13 goals in the club’s promotion campaign.

Grabban told the Daily Echo: “My career took a bit of a dip for various reasons and it is nice to be back in the Championship and starting to get back to where I probably should be. I have got to make the most of it and play as well as I can.

“I think we have shown we are capable of competing at this level. We were a bit low after the games we lost but they were against good teams and we didn’t do too badly. It is a tough league and I think we are doing well as a squad.”

Grabban, a Liverpool supporter, is currently one of the leading goalscorers in the Championship and knows he should have added to his tally during the midweek win over Barnsley.

“I could have had six and it probably could have been more than that for the season,” said the Londoner. “But you can’t score every chance. I probably should have scored against Barnsley but that is the way it goes sometimes. I am happy with five.”

Grabban, who will be hoping to keep his place against Middlesbrough tomorrow, also welcomed the arrival of new signing Tokelo Rantie, who caught the eye after coming off the bench against the Tykes.

“He is a different type of player and, the more good players we have, the better the competition is and the better our results will be,” added Grabban.

“I thought he did well when he came on. He was sharp and had a couple of chances, which was positive. If he keeps getting those chances then, eventually, he is going to score. It was a good display.”