DAN Gosling revealed how facing his team-mates in training-ground battles had made him a regular fixture in Eddie Howe's Premier League thinking.

The former Newcastle United and Everton star has formed a fruitful partnership with Lewis Cook in Cherries' midfield, the duo keeping Andrew Surman and Harry Arter out of the side.

Explaining the rise to prominence of himself and Cook, Gosling told the Daily Echo: "We've both worked hard behind the scenes. We've got great strength in depth in this position. It's one of the strongest positions we have.

"We have great competitors and we push each other every day. It's not easy playing against these lads in training on a daily basis.

"Training is very competitive and very intense. It's a good battle and we push each other on. We encourage each other.

"It makes you better and when you get the shirt you have to perform. Surs and H did that for a long time and they were keeping me and Cooky out.

"We have had to bide our time, get better and that has shown in the performances.

"Whoever plays, we are all good friends off the pitch, which helps. The competition is healthy."