BOSS Eddie Howe feels Ryan Allsop's attitude has been a key component in his journey up the leagues with Cherries.

The goalkeeper, who turned 25 last month, joined Cherries from Leyton Orient four-and-a-half years ago when the Dorset club was in the third tier.

Allsop made his Premier League debut in November 2015 when he replaced the injured Adam Federici at half-time in the 3-3 draw against Everton.

Subsequently spending time on loan at Wycombe and Portsmouth, Allsop had to wait until the final day of last season for his first top-flight start, featuring in Cherries' 1-1 draw at Leicester.

Howe told the Daily Echo: "His journey has been quite a unique one in the respect we bought him when we were in League One.

"We're now a Premier League team and he has managed to stay with us through the journey, which is down to his attitude and commitment to his work.

"He is a pleasure to work with and I know Neil (Moss) and Anthony (White) have really enjoyed pushing him and we feel he really improved last season.

"I think that was highlighted in his overall play in the game against Leicester. He deserved credit for coming in and performing in a difficult away game."

Allsop, who has also spent time on loan at Coventry, signed a two-year contract at Vitality Stadium last summer and play a part in Cherries' first pre-season friendly against Estoril in Marbella tomorrow.