CHERRIES goalkeeper Ryan Allsop hailed the influence of regular number one Artur Boruc after making his first Cherries start for more than three years.

Allsop played in the 1-1 draw at Leicester on Sunday, just 24 hours after learning he would get the gloves in place of the injured Boruc.

The 24-year-old insisted he was not fazed by making only his second Premier League appearance but admitted it was time for him to kick-start his career.

Allsop told the Daily Echo: "Artur has had a big influence on me, he has helped me with my confidence and on the mental side of things.

"It is not so much speaking to him about those things. But I see how he is, his demeanour and the way he carries himself.

"I have learned so much just watching him. Working with him every day has helped my game enormously.

"It has been nice to be involved in the second half of the season and feel properly part of the team. I would like to play more regularly but being at a Premier League club is an invaluable experience.

"I am still young but I realise I am reaching the stage where I am not seen as a young goalkeeper anymore. I want to play every week and the manager knows that."

Allsop had been on the bench for Cherries' previous 15 matches, after Boruc's understudy, Adam Federici, was struck down by a knee injury.

The Midlander's last appearance for the club came when he replaced Federici at half-time of the 3-3 draw with Everton in November 2015, with a Championship fixture at Leicester in October 2013 the last time he had started a league match for Cherries.

Despite waiting so long for his chance, Allsop – who has spent time on loan at Coventry, Wycombe and Portsmouth in the past three years – had no trouble getting his rest the night before the game.

He said: "I did get a very good night’s sleep. We were in a hotel, so I was not up at five in the morning with my little boy, Charlie, like I normally am!

"I have worked hard all season and I was delighted to get a chance.

"It was something I have strived for. I want to be a more consistent figure in the team, so I have to keep working hard and, hopefully, that will come in time.

"I was obviously going to be a bit rusty, because I have only played a few under-21 games this season – but I was pleased with how it went and I made a few saves, which was great.

"I do not let myself be fazed by whoever I am playing against.

"That could negatively effect your game. I do not think about who the opposition players are or give them too much respect.

"I just see the ball, try to do my job and keep it out of the net."