CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe reckons veteran goalkeeper Artur Boruc could play in his 40s after admitting the former Poland international was belying his advancing years.

As exclusively revealed by the Daily Echo yesterday, the 37-year-old Boruc is set to extend his stay at Vitality Stadium after triggering an appearance-related clause entitling him to a new deal.

Signed on a free transfer in June 2015 after impressing during two separate loan spells from Southampton, the experienced stopper has proved a key figure in the Dorset club's Premier League journey.

And Howe believes Boruc can continue his professional career for years to come – if the former Celtic star decides that is the route he wishes to take.

Asked if Cherries' number one could play at 40 and beyond, Howe told the Daily Echo: "I think it's possible. The key thing with any player is how long they want to go on.

"I don't see a deterioration in him physically. In fact if anything, I have seen an improvement, which is down to his professionalism and how he has looked after himself.

"As you get older, you have to get every detail right. You have to live your life differently to how you did when you were 21 or 22.

"Perhaps at that age you can treat your body differently and get away with it. As you get older, maybe you can't.

"What are his motivation levels like? How long does he want to play for? They are questions for Artur himself."

Boruc will tomorrow hope to secure his ninth clean sheet of the season when Cherries make the trip to relegation-threatened Sunderland (3pm).

While Howe acknowledged the impact Boruc had made since his arrival in Dorset, the manager admitted it was tough to single out the enigmatic Pole out as his best recent signing.

"I get asked this a lot about certain individuals and it's difficult to pick one," added Howe.

"Dan Gosling and Junior Stanislas came in on free transfers as well and they have been excellent for us and there are a number of others.

"We're just very thankful Artur has played such a positive role for us.

"He had a huge impact in our Championship season. He immediately made us stronger and that's no disrespect to any other goalkeeper we had at the time.

"He carried that form into the Premier League. At moments both this season and last season, he made the difference for us."

Cherries were linked with Chelsea keeper Asmir Begovic and Blues defender Nathan Ake during the January transfer window and that speculation resurfaced this week.

Howe added: "As usual with me, you will get no comment on transfer speculation, especially when we are in the middle of the season and have really important games to focus on.

"I will only speak about the players which we have here."