ADAM Smith insists his nomadic role for Cherries is a price worth paying for more time on the pitch.

The ex-Tottenham man has endured a dearth of opportunities in his favoured full-back position since switching to Dean Court in January 2014 with Simon Francis proving hard to displace.

Boss Eddie Howe steadily increased Smith’s game time as Cherries continued their push for promotion, utilising the former England under-21 defender in attacking roles on both wings from the substitutes’ bench.

And although the 24-year-old has his heart set on taking ownership of the right-back slot, versatile Smith remains happy to fill in anywhere on the pitch.

Smith told the Daily Echo: “There are two ways of looking at it. It does help the manager that I can play a few different positions because he can switch things round in games.

“Overall, I think it helps to give me more of a chance to play and I am not going to complain whether I’m on the wing or at left-back.

“I didn’t play as much as I would have liked last season but, towards the end, I managed to get more games and to be part of such an amazing experience in getting promoted was a great achievement.

“It felt great to be a part of something that will go down in the history books.

“To be honest, I do see myself more as a full-back. I have played there from a very young age and it is a position that comes naturally to me.

“But the fact I can play different positions is helpful for the gaffer.

“If he wants to play me on the right wing or anywhere else, I’m not going to say no or kick up a fuss because I want to play.

“I don’t mind where it is. As long as I’m out there, that’s all that matters to me.”

Smith, who made six starts and came off the bench 23 times in the league last season, added his intent to prepare in the same way he always has ahead of the club’s first foray in the top flight.

He sampled just 14 minutes of Premier League action during his time at White Hart Lane, making a substitute appearance in Tottenham’s 2-0 victory over Fulham on the final day of the 2011-12 season, but vowed not to alter his schedule despite the step up.

Smith added: “We had a few weeks off and, from there, I gradually started to ramp up my preparation.

“Now June is here, I am going to step things up further in the same way I normally do.

“My goal is to make sure I come back in good condition and as fit as possible to fight for a place next season.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge and can’t wait to get started.”