SKIPPER Tommy Elphick knows manager Eddie Howe will take no prisoners as Cherries prepare for their baptism in the Premier League.

Elphick has been one of only two ever presents in the Championship as Cherries have seen off the chasing pack to clinch a place in the top flight.

The inspirational 28-year-old – together with central defensive partner Steve Cook – has started all 45 games and been substituted just once.

But it was a different story for Elphick who experienced Howe’s ruthless streak at the start of last season – and after having captained Cherries to promotion from League One.

Asked whether he felt Howe would give the current players a chance to prove themselves in the top flight, Elphick replied: “It will be up to us, like it has been every year. The manager will assess things and see where we are.

“If we are at it and as sharp and fit as we can possibly be then I am sure he will back us, like he has during the past couple of years. If we are not and someone is being sloppy or not pulling their weight then he will be quick to replace them.

“I know that more than anybody after missing out at the start of last season. It had been my first full pre-season after coming back from a long injury and I had a few niggles. He told me I wasn’t ready for the first game of the season so I had to knuckle down to get back in.”

Elphick, who has started all but one of Cherries’ past 76 league games, believes their exploits in cup competitions against top-flight opposition will stand them in good stead when they lock horns with the big boys.

Asked if he had a message for people who felt Cherries would get “smashed” next season, Elphick joked: “Bring it on!”

He added: “Everybody probably said that about us in the Championship. But we were quick to establish ourselves and caught the eye of a lot of people with the way we played. We won’t veer away from what has brought us success, we will just need to get better at it.

“We have had cup ties against Premier League teams and also played Real Madrid in a friendly and those games give you an insight into what to expect. Everything goes up a notch – fitness, strength and speed – so we will need to get used to that as quick as possible.

“It is such a tough league but a lot of our lads have taken knockbacks in their careers and will want to prove to people that they are good enough to play at that level.

“There were times when players probably could have moved on but the manager kept together the core of the squad and added astute signings. If we can do that again and not lose our belief then we will give it our best shot.”