STALWART Marc Pugh insisted he would not take opportunities for granted as he bids to force his way into Eddie Howe’s Premier League plans.

Yet to be used in the top flight this season, the winger scored twice in Cherries’ 8-1 Hampshire Senior Cup second-round victory over Eastleigh last week.

He could be involved when Howe’s men host Championship Blackburn Rovers in the third round of the Carabao Cup tomorrow (7.45pm).

Pugh told the Daily Echo: “I have learned by being out of the team that nothing comes easy and you can’t take it for granted.

“I enjoy training but there’s nothing like playing a game of football. It’s frustrating when you are training all week and not getting anything at the end of it.

“I want to play as much football as I can and we will see where we go.

“I need to score a few more goals, get a few more assists and who knows? I just have to enjoy every game as it comes.”

A £100,000 signing from Hereford in the summer of 2010, Pugh insisted the strength in depth of wide players at the club was better than ever.

“When you are out of the team, you sometimes have to hold your hands up when players like Ryan (Fraser) have been performing as well as they are,” he said.

“We have a great set of wingers. We have Junior (Stanislas) back as well now and when he was fit last season he was phenomenal.

“Brooksy (David Brooks) has come in and done really well. He is a young lad with a lot to learn but he has looked really promising. Then you have Jordon Ibe as well, so we have great strength in depth.”

Tomorrow’s cup battle takes on added meaning for the 31-year-old, who came through the youth system at Rovers’ bitter rivals Burnley.

And having witnessed some spicy East Lancashire derbies at Turf Moor as a youngster, he is relishing the chance to take on Tony Mowbray’s men.

“It’s a big game in the cup against Blackburn and I have to keep myself sharp for that,” added the Bacup-born star.

“I remember the days when Blackburn came over to Burnley and the town got smashed up. The fans have a real rivalry.

"I was a ball boy for a few first-team games when they were both in the Championship.

“It would be great to play against Blackburn, that’s for sure. I will be ready if called upon.”