PATIENT Ryan Allsop made a long-awaited return to the Cherries first-team fold and then insisted: “I’m not here to make up the numbers.”

Keeper Allsop made his first Cherries league appearance in more than two years when he replaced the injured Adam Federici at half-time in Saturday’s 3-3 draw with Everton.

Involved in four of the past five matchday squads, in part due to Artur Boruc's injury, the 23-year-old was beaten by Ross Barkley’s late effort but was otherwise rarely tested at Vitality Stadium

And having capably performed his duties, Allsop is desperate to cling on to the number one jersey for Saturday’s trip to Chelsea (5.30pm).

Reflecting on his return to Cherries action, the stopper told the Daily Echo: “It has been a long wait, too long, I’d say. I’ve had to work hard every day and be ready for my chance. I want to stay in the team now.

“I’m not here to make up the numbers and I want to play as many games as I can at the highest level but that decision is in the manager’s hands. It also depends on the other two goalkeepers and this week will tell us a lot.

“If selected, I’ll be ready and will do as well as I can.

“Football is full of ups and downs and you have to take everything as it comes.

"Things can change very quickly but as long as you keep working hard and are ready to take your chance when it comes, that’s the most important thing.”

Allsop switched to Cherries on a free transfer in January 2013 and joined a team of goalkeepers which comprised former England stopper David James, Shwan Jalal, Darryl Flahavan and Benji Buchel.

He eventually forced his way in and went on to feature in a club-record run of eight successive victories which saw Cherries win promotion to the Championship in 2013 with a game to spare.

Capped five times by England at under-17 level, Allsop also kept five away clean sheets in succession to equal a club best set by the late Ken Bird in 1947-48.

However, despite starting the following campaign as number one, Birmingham-born Allsop found first-team opportunities hard to come by after the signing of Lee Camp.

He was then sidelined by a nasty bout of glandular fever before linking up with Coventry at the start of last season, going on to make 27 appearances for the Sky Blues.

Discussing his Premier League debut, Allsop added: “I was buzzing and felt confident.

“I didn’t have a lot to do but it was nice to get out there and get some minutes and experience in the Premier League. I felt it went well.”