SIMON FRANCIS has pinpointed Cherries' February training camp in Madrid and last month's trip to Dubai as catalysts for their upturn in results – and renewed defensive resilience.

The team spent three days in the Spanish capital, where they were based at 11-times European champions Real Madrid's futuristic Ciudad training complex.

They won two and drew one of their subsequent four matches, which included the victory over West Ham, when Francis returned to the side following a hamstring problem.

Cherries then took advantage of the recent international break by travelling to the Middle East, where boss Eddie Howe prepared his troops for the closing leg of the campaign.

Francis told the Daily Echo: “Dubai was like a mini pre-season. Other teams might have been having days off and had players away with internationals but we were working hard.

“It was nice to get out of the country and to try to get away from the social media side of things – even to get away from the family for a few days!

“Personally, it is great to be in that back four and enjoying my football.

“We started the season well but then had a bit of a dip and people outside the club were criticising our defending. But we are showing now that we can be far better defensively."