CHARLIE Daniels set his sights on emulating the likes of Jermain Defoe and Sylvain Distin and vowed to delay the changing of the guard.

Daniels is one of the longest-serving players in the Cherries squad having joined on loan from Orient in November 2011 prior to signing permanently.

Plenty of others remain from Cherries’ League One days – among them skipper Simon Francis, centre-half Steve Cook and wingers Ryan Fraser and Marc Pugh.

Daniels, who missed just three Premier League games last season, is one of boss Eddie Howe’s most trusted lieutenants.

Although the 31-year-old admits every player has a shelf life, he is determined to stay at the top for as long as he can.

And the ex-Tottenham youngster says Defoe and past Cherries players Distin and Ian Harte are proving an inspiration in his quest.

The signing of Diego Rico from Leganés this week will certainly spice up competition for places at left-back, a position Daniels has made his own since joining Cherries.

Speaking to the Daily Echo before Rico’s unveiling, Daniels said: “I do feel a lot younger and think it’s something to do with the lads.

“When you are in the environment we are in and there are 21-year-olds around, it does make you feel youthful.

“I think it’s the way you look on life as well. If you look after yourself and your body, there is no reason why you can’t go on for a long time.

“JD is still playing in his mid-30s and Sylvain Distin and Ian Harte played into their late-30s so they are the people I look at and try to emulate.

“It’s about doing everything right, consistently. If you have self-discipline, you will go a long way, not just in football but in life as well.

“There is a lot of work behind the scenes which people don’t see. People like Brad Smith and Tyrone Mings have pushed me to become a better player.

“I have been very fortunate that the gaffer has had faith in me and kept me playing as long as he has and, hopefully, that can continue in the upcoming season.

“Not a lot of people are at the same club for seven years in a row. We have such a good core of players and I know the gaffer wants to keep that for as long as he can.

“But it’s going to have to change at some point and it’s up to us to keep our places.”

Cherries are next month set to begin their fourth straight Premier League campaign.

The club only arrived in the top flight in 2015 having been guided there by Howe across two spells, a journey which had started at the base of the Football League.

And Daniels believes there is no ceiling on what his team can achieve.

“We have a new training ground and a new ground to look forward to,” he said.

“Things are looking good and if we can continue to improve on the pitch, there is no limit to this club.”