ARTUR Boruc penned a new contract with Cherries and then insisted he would continue to battle Asmir Begovic for the number one spot at Vitality Stadium.

Boruc, who has not featured in the Premier League since Begovic's arrival in a £10million move from Chelsea last summer, signed a new 12-month deal.

The 38-year-old former Poland international has this season been restricted to six appearances in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Despite his lack of game time, Boruc has been rewarded by boss Eddie Howe for forming “a really good partnership” with Begovic.

Boruc told the club website: “I am very pleased and happy that I can stay here and fight for the number one place for another season.

“This has been a very different season for me, not playing as much as I have in previous years.

“The new situation took some adjusting to in the first couple of months but I am pleased with how I have reacted to it.

“It is never easy to watch the team playing when you are not involved and unable to do anything to help but that is the situation I am in and I am fighting every day for the number one spot.

“Whenever the manager gives me a chance, I am going to give it 100 per cent. There are young goalkeepers at the club who are at the start of their careers and I am trying to help them as well. That is very important to me and a big part of my focus right now.

“I am settled here, I love this club and my family love it here too. We are very comfortable and happy. I believe I still have a part to play and that is why I signed a new deal and why I am still playing football.”

Boruc joined Cherries on a free transfer in June 2015 having impressed during two separate loan spells from Southampton as they won the Championship.

He made 37 appearances as Cherries clinched promotion and kept 16 clean sheets in 67 games in their first two seasons in the top flight.

Boss Howe said: “Artur fully deserves his new contract. He has been a really key player for us behind the scenes this season.

“He has formed a great team of senior goalkeepers with Asmir Begovic and Adam Federici, while also being a really good role model for the young goalkeepers.

“The likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Mark Travers, Jordan Holmes and Will Dennis, who are the future generation, can look at Artur and be inspired by him.

“Artur’s attitude and professionalism have been outstanding and this is the best I’ve seen him train since he’s been at the club. That is a huge compliment considering he hasn’t been playing regularly in the first team.

“He has come in every day with a smile on his face, motivated, he has trained very well and has shown great support for the other goalkeepers.

“He is an outstanding goalkeeper in his own right, someone who has always made very good saves. But this season, he has kept himself very fit, despite not playing. I can’t speak highly enough of him.

“Artur has also proved he can still perform when called upon. He has kept himself fit, is ready to play and he has been a model of consistency in training so I have no doubt he could step in when needed.”