ADAM Smith remains full of gratitude for the role Tottenham played in his footballing development – but insists there will be no place for sentiment when they visit Vitality Stadium.

Smith made just one substitute appearance for the north London club after emerging through their academy and had loan spells with seven different teams, including Cherries.

The defender, who has been in superb form this season, played 42 times for Cherries in 2010-11 before signing permanently for a bargain £250,000 in January 2014.

His family will tomorrow all be in the stands to watch a game he admits is the first one he looks for when the season’s fixtures are released.

Londoner Smith told the Daily Echo: “Tottenham brought me up to play football the right way.

"I am thankful to them for the way they improved me as a youngster and then right the way through until I was 21. They have helped me get to where I am now so I don’t have any regrets (about not breaking into Spurs’ first team).

“It’s going to be a difficult game, but all my family will be down here watching so hopefully we can put in another good performance.

“I was a Tottenham fan and all my family support them so it will be a nice day for them – but the most important thing is for us to get the win.”

The 25-year-old is delighted his goal of playing Premier League football has been achieved with Cherries.

He is now targeting international recognition following his flying start to this campaign.

“The idea was to come here and play and hopefully get back to the Premier League,” said Smith. "It’s great that I’ve been able to do that with Bournemouth. And to play Spurs is special for me.

“I am improving with every game. As long as I keep performing well and looking after myself then I feel the way I am playing, I could have a chance (of receiving an England call).

“I just need to concentrate on continuing to play well and hopefully I can get in.”

Smith will adopt the same clinical attitude against his former club that he took into his encounter with close friend and fellow ex-Spurs man Ryan Mason when Cherries played Hull last week.

“I had the bragging rights, although he did score!” said Smith of the player he put up for the night after Cherries' 6-1 victory.

“As soon as we get on the pitch, we’re not friends. It’s a job and we have to be professional.”

Smith's intuitive understanding with both Junior Stanislas and Joshua King was integral to the thumping of Hull. Indeed, Cherries' right flank has functioned beautifully across the past month.

“The way Junior plays suits my play and likewise for him,” said Smith. “And when Kingy comes on, I know how he plays and we link well. It’s good for the gaffer to have those options and we’re working well together.”