LOYAL servant Marc Pugh believes Cherries have a “big opportunity to kick on” after finally securing their Premier League status.

Pugh, one of Eddie Howe’s first additions following promotion from League Two, was a key figure in the club’s rapid ascent to the top flight.

The mercurial winger, signed from Hereford for an initial outlay of £60,000, was the only player to feature in 40 or more league games in five seasons between 2010 and 2015.

Pugh has been restricted by injury to 25 appearances in the Premier League this season and netted during Cherries’ 2-1 defeat at Everton on Saturday.

He told the Daily Echo: “Staying in the Premier League is an amazing achievement. I think we can all look back to where this club has come from and be very proud of ourselves.

“It was important to get a run going and we did that. We ground out some valuable points and winning at Aston Villa was probably the big one.

“We’ve got a big opportunity to kick on next season. We’ve got two games left and want to try to get as many points as we can and then we can get ready for next season.

“I am sure the manager will be looking to bring in a few bodies and make this squad even more competitive.”

Asked about boss Howe reaffirming his commitment to the club, Pugh added: “He has done an incredible job and brought the club back to life. When he was here before and ever since he has come back, he has kept everyone believing.

“It’s important to have continuity and to keep everyone together. It would be very disheartening for everyone if ever he were to leave. He’s got a job to finish here and who knows where he could take this club?”

Pugh has continued to silence the doubters who questioned whether he had the ability to continue to deliver the goods in the Premier League.

He said: “As a boy, you always believe and you always want to achieve your goals. I have always tried to be the best I can.

“A lot of people doubted me personally and, hopefully, I have proved a lot of people wrong.

“Five goals, including three in the Premier League, is not a bad return. I would like to play more games, as any player would, and it is frustrating when you are not in the team. But I will continue to try to do everything in my power to play week in, week out.”