RYAN Fraser admitted he would rather seek the company of man’s best friend than dwell on the intensity of the Premier League.

Cherries winger Fraser, the proud owner of Yorkshire terrier Maisy, believes his companion helps him get away from the pressures of the top flight.

In fine form having scored three goals in as many league outings, the 23-year-old insists his four-legged friend is there for him no matter what.

He told the Daily Echo: “The Premier League is so mentally draining. I sometimes don’t watch matches and try to do my own thing to get my mind off it because I think you can overdo it sometimes.

“I know some of the lads are doing their coaching badges and they watch every game tactically.

“Dan Gosling is one – he will watch every game. It doesn’t matter if it’s in League Two or French Ligue 2, he will watch it. That’s not me – I would rather walk my dog or go for a coffee.

“If there is a game on, I won’t go out of my way to watch it. I sometimes feel you need to get away from football.

“I have my little doggy and I take her for walks. I have had her for three or four years. It’s quite a lonely place when you are down here by yourself so having a little one around is massive.

“There’s some hard times in football when you go home and you haven’t had a good day. She gets me through it.

“She is always happy to see you and that's dogs for you. If you ask anyone with a dog they are always quite close with it, so it’s nice.”

Scotland international Fraser is one of a number of dog-owners in the Cherries squad, while boss Eddie Howe has a boxer called Eric.

Howe also has the letter ‘R’ tattooed on his wrist in memory of his Labrador, Rodney.

And while the life of a Premier League star means Fraser has to spend time away from his canine companion, he makes sure she is in good hands.

“Maisy goes to doggy school while I am at training so she’s not left at home,” he added.

“I pick her up around three o’clock to take her out and feed her after. She loves the beach – if you pick up a stone she goes mad.

“I will sit and play some PS4, watch some TV or a boxset and she will be on the settee chilling.

“Jason Tindall’s little doggy goes to the same dog school, so does Harry Arter’s, Lewis Cook’s and Dan Gosling’s. We have all got dogs and they know each other.

“I normally pick up mine before them, they wait until five o’clock before they pick theirs up so I am the best dad!”