MIDFIELD marvel Matt Ritchie insists his unshackled role at Cherries is responsible for turning him into the Championship’s tormentor-in-chief.

Ritchie was again pivotal as table-topping Cherries embarked on another demolition job on Saturday, thumping rock-bottom Blackpool 6-1 at a windswept Bloomfield Road.

The 25-year-old, a £500,000 signing from Swindon Town in January 2013, struck a brace and had a hand in two other goals despite not adding to his standard-setting 10 league assists this season.

And having been at the heart of another goal-laden display for the Football League’s top scorers, Ritchie cited the freedom boss Eddie Howe affords his players as the catalyst behind his rich vein of form.

Ritchie, who now has six league goals for the season, told the Daily Echo: “The gaffer gives us all a licence to go and find the space to express ourselves and exploit opponents in the final third.

“I feel in recent weeks that I have managed to do that and luckily enough it has been to good effect. Hopefully that will continue

“Last season I had a tough time with injuries but have been delighted to get in and among the goals again.

“I have not really changed anything but scoring a couple of goals has helped. Confidence is high and I am not just speaking for myself.

“It doesn’t matter who you are, getting a goal gives any player a confidence boost. That belief is there throughout the team and if I can carry on scoring and making goals for others then I will be happy.

“The whole group is enjoying the football we are playing and how we are flourishing as a team and as individuals.”

Ritchie’s pair ranged from the ridiculous to the sublime as his and Cherries’ opener inexplicably squirmed through the grasp of Blackpool stopper Joe Lewis in the first half before a delightful curled effort from 20 yards which nestled in the top corner during the second.

Discussing his first strike, Ritchie said: “To be honest I did not know it had gone in until one of the lads starting running towards me but it was great to see it had crept over the line.

“That got us off and running, we built on that and controlled the game from there.

On the second, he added: “Surs (Andrew Surman) set me and I had a lot of space to get a good strike on it. Luckily enough it flew in the top corner.

“More importantly, it was a great team performance and three points. It was brilliant.

“To get six goals anywhere in this league is a great achievement. I was delighted to get on the scoresheet as well.”