DEFIANT star Matt Ritchie insisted Cherries’ jet-propelled ascent towards the Premier League should not be seen as a glass ceiling – for him or the club.

Six years ago, rookie Ritchie made his first steps in the professional game with a season-long loan at League Two Dagenham & Redbridge while Cherries battled for Football League survival having been hit with a 17-point penalty.

The Scotland international winger, who made two top flight appearances for boyhood club Portsmouth, pushed the boundaries at each level with Notts County and Swindon Town before making a bargain £500,000 switch to Dean Court.

And having played a pivotal role in helping Cherries juggernaut hit the big time with 13 goals and 17 assists in the Championship so far, Ritchie was adamant there was more to come.

Ritchie told the Daily Echo: “At the age of 25, I feel like I am getting to where I need to be. Hopefully, I can step up to the plate next season along with the other lads and prove that we are good enough to be in the Premier League, individually and collectively.

“We have achieved something special here and got to where we wanted and felt we needed to be. Every player strives to be at the very top level and hopefully we can go there as champions before making sure we prepare properly for next season.

“We have goals for next season as well so this is no time to be resting on what we have achieved. There is a lot of belief this group can kick on again.”

Meanwhile, Ritchie dedicated the success to the growing army of Cherries supporters while taking time to thank current Luton boss John Still for giving him his break with the Daggers.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet, despite being on the horizon with us being top of the league for so long,” Ritchie added.

“A lot of people started writing us off but we are there unless Middlesbrough go and score 19 goals and it is great for the fans because they have been brilliant this season.

“The gaffer is always reminding us what a massive part they have played for so many years. To give them a little bit back and something to cheer about was wonderful.

“The pressure the manager and every individual puts on themselves to perform throughout the season has been key. We have all learned to deal with that which played a massive part in being able to handle the occasion against Bolton.

“I have a lot of people to thank for helping me get here. At Dagenham I was given that first opportunity by people who did not have to take a chance on me but chose to.

“John Still at Dagenham played a massive part in my career. That chance put me on the map a little bit and every club I have been at has taught me something and helped me become a better player.”