TEAM player Steve Cook urged Tyrone Mings to put pressure on his centre-half berth but admitted he had targeted a full campaign at the heart of Cherries' defence.

Cook missed just two Premier League fixtures in the club's maiden voyage into the top flight last season – the defeats to Southampton and Newcastle United at the start of November.

But aside from that, the Hastings-born defender was a key cog in the side that achieved survival in relative comfort.

One of Cherries' longest-serving players having joined permanently in January 2012 following a successful loan spell, Cook has now set his sights on not missing a league fixture this term.

However, a potential barrier could be Mings, who recently returned to action following a long-term knee injury and is another option in the left-sided centre-back role.

Signed from Ipswich Town in the summer of 2015 for £8million, much excitement surrounded the potential of the former Chippenham Town and Yate Town ace.

But having made his competitive debut for the Dorset club in a straightforward League Cup win at Hartlepool United, four days later Mings's Premier League bow was cruelly cut short.

A half-time substitute for Charlie Daniels against visitors Leicester City, the youngster within minutes succumbed to serious injury. And it took the 23-year-old nearly 13 months to make his competitive return when he featured in Cherries' League Cup loss to Preston at the end of last month.

Mings also played 90 minutes of Cherries Under-21s' behind-closed-doors friendly against Woking last week.

Asked if there was more pressure on his shirt following Mings's return, Cook told the Daily Echo: "Yes, of course. He's a very good footballer. He is young but has picked up the position with ease.

"First of all, it's great to see him back playing. He has had a very tough year but I think he has learned a lot. Hopefully, he will push me all the way for the position because that will get the best out of myself and other players around.

"That's what you want and that's what being in a Premier League squad is about. You never want to rest on your laurels and, hopefully, he can keep improving, get some games under his belt and push myself and the other lads in front of him.

"You have got to have that competition to get the best out of yourself and I'm looking forward to the challenges ahead. We have a very good squad and competition for places all over. It's very healthy.

"I want to play a full season and do as well as I can. That's my target – to grow and build on last season. Hopefully, I can keep playing well and stay in the side."

In a light-hearted aside, Cook added: "I can play as a right-sided centre-half as well so if Ty does get in the team I might have to give Franno a little nudge!"