ASMIR Begovic revealed how he had sounded out Neil Moss ahead of his summer move to Cherries – the man he displaced at Dean Court a decade ago.

Begovic arrived on loan at Cherries from Portsmouth ahead of the 2007-08 season and was preferred ahead of Moss in the number one role by boss Kevin Bond.

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Then a 20-year-old finding his way in the game, the promising stopper made nine appearances for the Dorset club – eight of which were in League One – as Moss was forced to settle for a place on the bench.

However, now the tables have turned with Moss being Cherries goalkeeping coach and Begovic part of the group of stoppers working under his charge.

The former Stoke City ace maintained a positive relationship with Moss throughout his career and admitted he had sought Moss's advice prior to his permanent switch from Chelsea.

Responding to questions from the Daily Echo, Begovic said: "It's crazy how it's gone full circle. Back then, I was a young goalkeeper coming through the ranks and he was an established one who had played a big part in Bournemouth's history.

"We had a good relationship and he was one of the people I spoke to before I came here and everything he said was positive.

"He was very positive about the club, the manager, the players and the group of goalkeepers. He gave me a good feeling about what the club does and how they handle their business on a daily basis.

"I was really attracted by the whole situation and the words he said.

"Having worked with him now, he is a fantastic coach as well as Anthony White, who assists him.

"We are a really good group and I've really enjoying working with everyone so far."

During six-and-a-half years at Pompey in the early stages of his career, Begovic experienced temporary stints at a string of clubs, including Cherries.

And the Bosnia and Herzegovina international, who won the Premier League with Chelsea last term, admitted the lessons of his loan at Dean Court had provided an important grounding for the career he had subsequently enjoyed.

He added: "It was a great experience at Bournemouth. I was only here for a handful of games but it was the first time I had played at League One level.

"Of course, I made some mistakes but, overall, I enjoyed the experience.

"Mistakes are part of the process. For young players, you have to be thrown out there. Playing men's football is different to playing youth football or reserve football. So when I was thrown into first-team action, it was new to me.

"You will do some good things but the mistakes will always be there as well. That's just part of being a young player.

"First and foremost, you have to perform on the pitch and give your best for your team-mates, coaches and everyone involved in the club. If people take a liking to you, that's a positive."