TYRONE Mings has become the latest Cherries star to commit to the club after penning an improved long-term contract.

Defender Mings has followed in the footsteps of Steve Cook, Harry Arter, Adam Smith and Dan Gosling by agreeing fresh terms this summer.

He told the club website: “It was an easy decision for me because I’m very settled here.

“The first two years of my time weren’t easy, with trying to get in the team and getting injured on my debut.

“But I came out of it the other end, had a bit of a run in the team last year and feel like I am in a good place now. I’m over the moon to be staying.”

Cherries chief executive Neill Blake added: “I’m delighted that Tyrone is the latest player to sign a new deal with us.

“He had a very tough start to life here with a serious injury but has come out the other side a better player and person for the experience he has been through.

“Tyrone is a player of huge talent and potential, an exceptional athlete and someone who has a very bright future at this club.”

Mings signed for Cherries in a then-club record £8million move from Ipswich in June 2015, only to sustain a serious knee injury just six minutes into his first Premier League game.

He tore anterior and medial ligaments on his top-flight debut against Leicester in August 2015 and spent 13 months on the sidelines.

Mings, 24, who made nine appearances last season, was recalled to the starting line-up for Cherries’ 2-1 defeat by Manchester City 11 days ago and turned in an accomplished display.

Released by Southampton as a schoolboy, Mings joined Ipswich for just £10,000 after impressing boss Mick McCarthy during a trial in December 2012.

He blossomed under the former Republic of Ireland manager’s tutelage at Portman Road and signed a four-year deal when he moved to Dean Court, with Ryan Fraser joining Ipswich on loan as part of the package.

Before joining Ipswich, Mings had been turning out in the Southern League for Chippenham Town and combined playing semi-pro with his full-time job as a mortgage advisor.

He played a starring role for Ipswich as they reached the Championship play-offs in May 2015, eventually losing out in the semi-finals to Norwich.

Mings has also hit the headlines for a series of selfless acts such as spending Christmas Day 2013 feeding the homeless, donating tickets to fans and paying to replace the replica shirts of Ipswich supporters after his squad number had changed.