MARC Pugh says he is doing "everything in my power" to prove he is a Premier League player.

Pugh capped a man-of-the-match display with a wonderful goal on his 250th Cherries league appearance against Middlesbrough six days ago.

And despite turning 30 earlier this month, the winger insists his best is yet to come.

Pugh told the Daily Echo: "I give my heart and soul to the club and do everything in my power to prove to everyone I am a Premier League player.

"When you get your chance to play you really need to grab the bull by the horns and show you are worthy of the shirt.

"If you can do that, keep your place and show confidence and belief, then you are able to put in performances like I did against Boro.

"They say you are in your prime between 28 and 32, so I am smack, bang in the middle of my prime.

"I think my best years are ahead and I am hoping there is a lot more to come from me. I love my football and want to play for as long as I can."

Pugh featured 26 times in the top flight last season, his first experience of operating at the highest level.

He was plagued by a hamstring problem at the outset of this campaign and subsequently found his path to the first team blocked by Cherries' surfeit of excellent wide men.

But after seeing his initial return late in 2016 curtailed by a recurrence of his injury, Pugh has started his team's past nine games.

And he is embracing the challenge of having more than £20m worth of talent in the shape of Jordon Ibe and Max Gradel desperate for his shirt.

"We have five quality wingers and keeping them out of the team takes a lot of character," said Pugh. "Hopefully, I have shown that and can continue to until the end of the season.

"I love the competition. To be in a Premier League squad, first and foremost, is an amazing achievement.

"To be in a side like Bournemouth's, playing week in, week out, with top quality players breathing down my neck is an absolute pleasure."

As Pugh tormented Middlesbrough, and his team-mates fed him at every opportunity, Vitality Stadium broke into a chorus of 'Marc Pugh's too good for you'.

"It is always nice to hear," said Pugh. "I have massive respect for our fans and, hopefully, the feeling is mutual. I love them to bits.

"Even when you are not having a good day you need to try to get on the ball, because you have to influence the game.

"But when you know you have the beating of the full-back you want to get on it and get at him all day long.

"I want to score as many goals and get as many assists as I can – and help the team win games. There is no better feeling."