SIMON Francis insists Cherries are perfectly prepared for the scrutiny of the world’s glare – despite being first under the Premier League’s all-seeing microscope.

The 30-year-old right-back took up Sky’s invitation to join skipper Tommy Elphick on the settee for Goals on Sunday less than 24 hours after Cherries’ opening-day defeat to Aston Villa.

Francis found himself in the eye of a potential storm as Chris Kamara ran the rule over substitute Rudy Gestede’s match-winner at Vitality Stadium but the straight-talking right-back was quick to shoulder the responsibility.

But while it was a harsh lesson in how unflattering a multitude of camera angles can be, Francis reckons the rest of Saturday’s showreel is evidence that Cherries are ready for the rigours of the top flight.

Francis told the Daily Echo: “It is such a big step and even if the game isn’t shown live, there are still so many cameras there. You can guarantee it is being shown somewhere round the world.

“You are under the spotlight and there is that added pressure but I thought we handled it well on Saturday.

“We were lively, pressed high and didn’t give Villa a chance on the ball. I thought we dominated most of the game with our possession and, if anything, were probably a bit surprised at our tempo and the way we created chances.

“We were guilty of not putting them away and it would have been nice to go in a goal up at half-time but we will learn from that. There were so many positives to take.”

Meanwhile, Francis, a model of consistency for Cherries who has missed just five out of 128 league matches since manager Eddie Howe returned to Dean Court in October 2012, had no problem facing the inevitable questions over Villa’s goal.

“We were disappointed to lose but proud of our performance so we were more than happy to go on and I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was nice to have a bit of banter with the presenters and look back at the games,” he added.

“I knew they would look at the goal because Chris Kamara goes through everything from a defensive angle but there were not too many highlights from Villa’s point of view apart from the goal, which was good for us.

“I had to talk through it and how Gestede had managed to get in front of me but hopefully, that won’t happen again.

“It was a good chance to look back and review it. We have done that this week with the manager as well but it was a different experience being on television, talking about it.

“I was honest and held up my hands. All I can do is try to learn from it and do better next time.”