UPBEAT Adam Federici penned a new three-year deal at Cherries before setting his sights on shedding the tag of second-choice goalkeeper.

The Australian international joined the Dorset club from Reading last summer but made just six Premier League appearances in Cherries' inaugural top-flight campaign.

Federici, a hugely popular figure during a decade with the Royals, struggled to dislodge Artur Boruc from the starting line-up, although he did not a miss a minute of the FA Cup and League Cup runs.

And with Federici now set to remain at Vitality Stadium until at least June 2019, the former Torres keeper wants to take his career to the next level.

He said: “I’ve never seen myself as a number two goalkeeper. I need to get rid of that tag and push on. I want to improve and play more next season and, hopefully, I can achieve that.

“Last season was a special one for the club and I would have loved to have played a bigger part but it wasn’t to be. I picked an injury up at a bad time.

“But I’m delighted to have signed a new contact. I’ve worked hard to keep improving and the last year has been great. I’ve been settling in and getting to know the lads and I’m really looking forward to next year now.

“The manager played a big part in me signing and the coaching staff and the way we play football are factors, too. I feel I suit the team and look forward to playing more next season. I’m working really hard towards that.

"You can see there is something special happening down here and I want to be part of that bright future ahead.

"I’m coming to good era of my career at a good age and I’m learning every day."

Federici made his league debut for Cherries in the 5-1 defeat at Manchester City in October, the Aussie thrust into the starting line-up at the 11th hour after Boruc tweaked his groin in the warm-up.

Boruc was recalled for the home thrashing by Tottenham but was omitted from the squad for the trip to Southampton, Federici taking the Polish international's place in the 2-0 defeat at St Mary's.

Federici was retained for the 1-0 home loss to Newcastle and the 2-2 draw at Swansea, only to suffer an injury to his left ankle in the thrilling 3-3 draw with Everton, the stopper replaced by Ryan Allsop at half-time.

It was initially feared Federici had sustained long-term ligament damage following his awkward fall.

But although the New South Wales man made a rapid recovery inside two weeks, Boruc had by then returned and made the number one jersey his own in the league until the trip to Manchester United on the final day of the season.

Federici was speaking to the club website.