BAILY Cargill says he would relish the challenge of facing England international Andy Carroll and admits of the West Ham star: "He's not your typical Premier League striker."

The Cherries defender completed a remarkable journey from the club's academy to the top flight when he made his league debut as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw at Manchester United.

With skipper Simon Francis having recently struggled with injury and Tyrone Mings suspended for five games by the Football Association, 21-year-old Cargill could be called upon by boss Eddie Howe when Cherries host West Ham on Saturday.

And the England under-20 international says the prospect of taking on Carroll at Vitality Stadium would provide him with a major test – if both players are selected.

Cargill told the Daily Echo: "It would be a good experience. He is a handful and a different type of player to what I'm used to playing against.

"He is very physical and good in the air but it would be a good challenge for me, if I do play, and would be something I would relish.

"He's not your typical Premier League striker. He's more of a League One-style striker but is obviously much better than that standard. He is very physical and that's something we will have to work on in training this week.

"When you see the best players are going to be involved, it does make you think that you want to perform at your best and prove you can keep them quiet."

Prior to his outing at Old Trafford, Cargill had featured in 10 cup games for Cherries following his elevation to the first-team squad.

The Winchester-born centre-half, who can also play at left-back, made his debut for the Dorset club in a 2-0 League Cup victory at Exeter in August 2014.

He spent time on loan at League One Gillingham earlier this season but Howe said in January that the player would remain with Cherries for the rest of the season.

And Cargill believes he is primed to perform should he be selected by his manager.

He added: "Because it's such a good league and there is so much riding on each of the games, it is hard for a manager to throw in a youngster.

"They don't want to throw a player in at the deep end and then for them to get found out. You have to be ready for whatever comes your way.

"Since I've been back from my loan, I've worked really hard and I feel mentally and physically ready. I will make sure I'm in the right shape.

"We have a lot of tough games coming up and I don't want to be not at my best and to cost the team.

"I've been here three years now so I do feel I'm a bit more experienced and have a bit more know-how.

"I think these three years have worked in my favour because I know everything the gaffer wants."