CLUB captain Warren Cummings believes Cherries can pull clear of danger and insists: “There is no reason for us to be pessimistic.”

The experienced defender has helped Cherries earn back-to-back draws against Tranmere and Rochdale since being recalled by boss Lee Bradbury.

Cummings, Cherries’ longest-serving current player, is hoping to mark his 31st birthday by starting at MK Dons tomorrow (3pm) as fellow left-back Scott Malone battles to overcome a hamstring injury.

While fourth-placed Dons have continued the form that saw them earn a top-six finish last season, Cherries have struggled and sit in 20th position after losing the majority of their play-off team.

But Cummings is confident new-look Cherries have the personnel to recover from their slow start.

Speaking after the draw against Rochdale, he told the media: “There is no reason for us to be pessimistic.

“It is obvious that where we are in the league at the moment is a concern. However, if the lads continue to apply themselves the way they have over the past month and play the way we have been, then I don’t think we have got any worries at all.

“You can’t be complacent with that, but I do think the players we have and how we have been playing stands us in good stead.”

Cummings added: “From the team that played in the play-off semi-final, we have lost nine of the starting players. Tell me a club that wouldn’t need a bit of time to integrate the new players.

“That is what is happening with us but we are integrating and we have only lost one in the last six games, including cup matches.

“There are positives, we are playing better than we did at the start of the season and we have stopped the rot at home.

“It is difficult and it does take time. We are fortunate that the fans are being patient with us.”

Cummings, who has made nine appearances this term, has impressed since being given his chance to start in recent weeks following loan man Malone’s hamstring problem.

He added: “I am enjoying it, more so the fact we have had two positive results and long may it continue.

“I have always said that I want to play, if possible. Scott Malone has done well but if I can play, then I am delighted.

“It is not easy coming in and out but the more you play, the better accustomed you become to the pace of the game.

“Your match sharpness improves all the time. I have had two games in a row now that I don’t often get and, hopefully, there will be a third.”