SUMMER signing Junior Stanislas believes Cherries’ quality and energy levels will stand them in good stead as they look to make a fast start in the Championship.

Stanislas, one of three new recruits, has experienced mixed fortunes since his free transfer from Burnley, the winger’s pre-season interrupted by a couple of minor injuries.

A delayed start saw the 24-year-old sit out Cherries’ opening two friendlies against FC Copenhagen and Eastleigh before he came off the bench in the 11-0 rout of Dorchester.

Stanislas made another substitute appearance against Southampton before playing his part in a slick first-half showing at Portsmouth where he was handed his first start.

And the Londoner opened his goal account for his new club when he netted a delightful free-kick from 20 yards during Saturday’s 4-1 victory at Oxford.

Stanislas, capped by England at under-19, 20 and 21 level, will be hoping to feature when Cherries kick off their Championship campaign against Huddersfield at the John Smith’s Stadium.

He told the Daily Echo: “It was a disappointing and frustrating start because I had one or two little niggling injuries. My lower back was playing up a bit and although I came back and did one or two sessions, my hamstring really tightened up. It was unfortunate because in pre-season you want to be out there trying to get your fitness levels up.

“The lads did everything to help me settle in straight away and the gaffer was fantastic with me. There was no pressure to get back quickly and he said to just get it right.”

Stanislas, who penned a three-year deal with Cherries after rejecting the offer of a new contract with Burnley, was signed by Howe from West Ham in August 2011 during his time as Clarets manager.

He featured 32 times for the Lancashire outfit last season – with a number of appearances coming from the bench – as they clinched promotion to the Premier League after finishing as runners-up in the Championship.

Asked for the secret to Burnley’s success, Stanislas replied: “Hard work and a good team spirit. The manager Sean Dyche used to drill into us about working hard and being together as a team. We had the players in the squad to get success, the key thing was the hard work to go with it. We put it together and got where needed to in the end.

“The way we try to move the ball here gives us that extra level of energy because we are not chasing too much. We are playing with the ball a lot of time.

“I think the lads have a good work ethic here anyway and, without being disrespectful, the quality levels are very good as well compared with maybe Burnley a little. Maybe that is a little surprising perhaps with a smaller club but what is going on behind the scenes here is first class.”