CHERRIES have announced midfielder Matt Butcher has signed a new deal with the club.

The fresh contract will keep him at Vitality Stadium until at least June 2019.

The youngster gained valuable experience in the Football League at Yeovil last season, where he made 42 appearances in all competitions.

This campaign, he was an unused substitute during’ Cherries fourth round Carabao Cup clash with Middlesbrough and the Premier League fixture at Brighton.

The 20-year-old told the club website: “I'm really happy, I had a good season last season but when I came back I was injured a little bit.

"Recently I've been on the bench a couple of times so it's been a good end to the year and start to 2018.

"The opportunities are hard as there are so many good players at this football club, but that means you have to be at your best in training every single day.

"I've always been one to put my all into it and I'm really looking forward to seeing what I can do.

"My aim is to get on the pitch for the first team this season, whether it's in the league or cup.

“If I do get that opportunity I have to take it - to say to the coaching staff I can play and compete."

Butcher has previously featured for Cherries in the League Cup against Hartlepool and in an FA Cup tie at Birmingham.

He also had loan spells in non-league with Gosport, Poole Town and Woking.