GOALKEEPER Asmir Begovic sees no reason why Cherries could not make dreams of competing in Europe a reality.

The experienced stopper has featured in both the Europa League and Champions’ League in previous spells with Stoke and Chelsea.

During his time with the Potters, Begovic played in Europa League clashes against Dynamo Kyiv, Besiktas and Valencia.

He then locked horns with Kyiv in the group stages of the Champions’ League while at Chelsea, as well as battles against Porto and Maccabi Tel Aviv.

While he insisted a strong start to the campaign would be key to their overall hopes, the 31-year-old had full belief in the Dorset club’s quality.

Asked about his thoughts on mounting a challenge for Europe, Begovic told the Daily Echo: “It’s about consistent improvement. We want to improve year in, year out and why couldn’t we do that this year?

“It’s an aim, of course. That is going to be the progression. I played Europa League with Stoke and it’s possible through cup runs or a good league finish.

“I believe in the quality of the squad and the players we have.

“We understand there is a bottom line to everything and what we have to do on a season basis but why couldn’t we try to push on?

“First and foremost, we have to get ourselves in a good position, start well and get the season off in the right way, then see where it takes us after that.”

With domestic cup winners Chelsea and Manchester City both qualifying for Europe through league position last season, Burnley’s seventh-place finish proved enough to end a 51-year wait for European football at Turf Moor.

And the Bosnian international believes the Clarets’ most recent campaign should be something to aspire to.

“What Burnley did last season and Leicester did a few years ago – all these teams give a lot of inspiration to everyone that it can be done, if you compete at a high level each and every week,” added Begovic.

“I don’t see why we couldn’t challenge in the upper echelons of this league.

“The ambition is high, this club is always looking to improve and head in the right direction, which is great for all of us involved.”

For now, Cherries’ immediate focus is on Cardiff, who they host in their Premier League opener on Saturday (3pm).

Eddie Howe’s men suffered defeat in their opening four league games last season, Begovic’s first competitive outings after his £10million summer move from Stamford Bridge.

He added: “It’s difficult to say what happened at the start of last season. We just didn’t come out firing on all cylinders and we would like to put that right.

“The focus has been really high in pre-season to make sure we are ready to go for that first game.

“Our focus is only on Cardiff at the moment. Having been around the Premier League for many years, you can’t take anyone lightly or look too far ahead.”