SYLVAIN Distin knows it is critical for Cherries to stem the tide at the back if they are to climb the Premier League table.

Eighteenth-placed Cherries have the joint-worst defence in the top flight alongside Newcastle having conceded 30 goals in 14 games.

Experienced centre-half Distin has made nine league appearances this term following his move to the Vitality Stadium from Everton in the summer.

And the Frenchman has underlined that a solid rearguard could prove a crucial component as Cherries aim to pull away from trouble.

Distin told the Daily Echo: "I think at the moment, we're in a position where what matters first and foremost is the number of points we have at the end of the game.

"If we can manage to stop conceding goals, it will help.

"But it's not like we don't work. Everyone is running their socks off and trying hard but a lot of the time it seems things are going against us.

"But that is no reason to give up. We have to make sure we don't concede as many goals."