STEVE Cook is determined to keep his place at the heart of the Cherries defence and continue learning from his more experienced peers.

Cook, who had missed Cherries’ previous eight league games after suffering a hamstring injury in December, was restored to the starting line-up for the 2-2 draw at Bolton.

He had been drafted in after Elliott Ward had been ruled out due to a knee problem and is expected to partner Tommy Elphick when Cherries host Burnley today.

Cook told the Daily Echo: “We have all had our setbacks this season and, hopefully, they will make us stronger. We are all good friends off the pitch so that helps.

“I am the youngest of the three so I am always looking to learn from them and what better two to learn from.

“Tommy is such a good leader and I have always looked up to him, even when we were at Brighton.

“Wardy is a very good player and very good with the ball. Sometimes, I need to remember I am still only 22 and to not get frustrated with myself.

“I want to stay in the team as long as I can and I am still learning. The manager and his assistant were both centre-halves and, with Tommy and Wardy helping me as well, hopefully I will be able to improve a lot.”