SIMON Francis has noticed attention drifting away from Cherries in recent weeks – but he is happy for his side to operate “under the radar” if that means they are picking up points.

After Cherries won only once in 10 games – and conceded 26 goals in those matches – pundits were queueing up to highlight the team’s defensive shortcomings.

But Eddie Howe’s side emerged from their trough by drawing 1-1 at Manchester United on March 4, a result which heralded the start of a five-match unbeaten streak.

Champions-elect Chelsea put the brakes on that run last Saturday but nobody is talking about Cherries as potential candidates for the drop any more. Ahead of Saturday’s trip to Tottenham, Francis told the Daily Echo: “At times, I do think we might have gone under the radar.

“As soon as you let in three or four in one game, though, people start talking about you, saying, ‘they concede too many goals’.

“Then you win a match and nobody really says anything. But if that means we stay in the Premier League and we are successful, I am happy to stay under the radar.

“We have a fearless squad. The Premier League is not getting old for us. Everyone wants to go to those big grounds, play and impress. That is what we have been doing in the past month.”