CHARLIE Daniels wants Cherries to establish themselves as a beacon of hope for lower-league footballers – by cutting it in the Premier League.

The long-serving left-back has been a staple part of the club’s rise from the depths of the League One relegation zone to top-flight status within three years.

And while Daniels and co predominantly have their sights set on holding their own for professional reasons, he admits the chance for Cherries’ unlikely lads to shine is providing extra motivation.

Daniels said: “It is a massive stage we are on and everyone wants to do well. The main thing for us as a team is we want to stay in this league and prove to ourselves that we can.

“The core of our squad has been through League One, the Championship and now the Premier League and we want to show to the world that there are good players at these levels and that clubs don’t necessarily have to look abroad.

“We are proof that you can make it. People playing in League One or League Two might have the mindset that it is never going to happen but you have to keep believing and wanting it. People will watch you and you will get picked up.”

Cherries have steadily adjusted to their new status, producing strong performances amid a torrid run of fortune with injuries and refereeing decisions during their first seven matches.

Daniels continued: “You have to improve every day, not just in every game.

“The big difference is that when the opposition gets a chance, they score. We have to be at our best every game to stop that and every team at this level will get one chance.

“Nine times out of 10, it goes in. We have to be at our very best in every game to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

  • Video shot and edited by Corin Messer