MAX Gradel has committed his long-term future to Cherries by signing an improved four-year contract.

Gradel, a £7million signing from St Etienne in August, was sidelined for six months last season after sustaining a serious knee injury just four games into the new campaign.

But the winger made an explosive return at the end of February and played a key role as Cherries preserved their Premier League status, starring in their hat-trick of wins against Southampton, Newcastle and Swansea in March.

Gradel, who penned a four-year deal last summer, has been rewarded for his exploits with a new deal which runs until 2020.

The 28-year-old was a firm favourite with Cherries supporters during a loan spell from Leicester in 2007-08 and featured 14 times last season, scoring in the crucial 3-2 win over the Swans at Vitality Stadium.

He told the club website: "I'm very pleased to sign. I've seen the club in different ways as I was here before.

“It’s amazing to see how it has changed and the progression that has been made. It's going in the right direction. It's exciting and, of course, I want to be part of that.

"The people here have always been good to me and the manager has been fantastic – I really feel at home here.

"I think it's very important for a player to have a good relationship with the coach, I have a good relationship with the manager here.

"He's supported me through some tough times and, on the pitch, he teaches me different ways to play and that is also very important.

"He's a coach who always wants to improve his players and that's a great thing for a player.

"With the World Cup, transfers and injury, I haven't had a good pre-season for three years. This time, I'm feeling confident, happy and injury-free.

"The trip to Chicago was very hard but it's what I expected as it’s pre-season.

"We've also signed players and it's good to have a lot of players for the team, you never know what will happen.

"Ever since I started playing, I've always been fighting for my place and this season will be no different. I'm confident."

Gradel was suspended for Cherries’ friendly at Portsmouth after being sent off in the 4-0 win at Minnesota but is expected to feature at Reading on Friday or against Cardiff at Vitality Stadium on Saturday with Eddie Howe due to field first teams in both fixtures.

Meanwhile, Cherries frontman Harry Cornick has joined League Two outfit Leyton Orient on loan until January.

Cornick, 21, netted eight times in 42 appearances for Yeovil last season and has also served Welling, Aldershot and Havant & Waterlooville on loan.