JERMAIN Defoe is adamant age will prove no barrier for him at Cherries and insists he is physically and mentally ready for the challenge ahead.

Vastly experienced at Premier League and international level, Defoe came off the bench for the final 31 minutes of Cherries' 2-1 friendly victory over Portsmouth on Saturday.

It was the 34-year-old's first appearance for the Dorset club since making a permanent switch from relegated Sunderland earlier this summer.

And Defoe is relishing the chance to feature during the upcoming Premier League season, stating he is desperate to seize his "good opportunity" having penned a three-year deal at Vitality Stadium.

He told the Daily Echo: "The fire in my stomach has not gone anywhere. I still want to work hard and improve and score goals. I want to play well in every game and never take my foot off the gas.

"I'm still hungry and of course I want to do well, it's a good opportunity for me.

"I suppose you have to work even harder to keep up with the young lads. But working hard is something I've done throughout my career and it is second nature to me.

"I enjoy doing that. When you feel good in a game, you feel strong and there is no better feeling. Even at times when you are training and it is hard, you just get through it.

"I'm old enough now to understand my body a lot more than I did years ago. I know when to have a down day and when to kick on and really push myself. That's important, I feel."

For now, Defoe will compete with the likes of Joshua King, Benik Afobe and Lys Mousset for a starting spot, with Callum Wilson sidelined and Lewis Grabban likely to seek a move away.

The frontman added: "There is good competition here and that's no different to my time at Tottenham. There was always four top forwards there and when you go away with England, it is hard to get in the team.

"When you get an opportunity, you have to take it but that's no different to any other top club.

"The lads are working so hard in training. They are putting everything in on the pitch and in the gym. That's what keeps you on your toes."

In March, Defoe was recalled to the England squad following a near three-and-a-half year absence.

He scored in a 2-0 World Cup qualifying win over Lithuania and last month, he came on as a late substitute in the 2-2 draw away to Scotland.

Asked if he had an eye on next year's World Cup in Russia, Defoe said: "Of course, that's only normal. Every English player would want to get in that squad.

"It's based on merit and you have to play well for your club to get a chance, so I will focus on doing that and if I get the opportunity to play in a World Cup again, it will be a dream."