BOSS Eddie Howe admitted he was relishing seeing Artur Boruc and Adam Federici resume their duel for the Cherries number-one spot.

Boruc yesterday joined fellow goalkeeper Federici in agreeing a new contract when he penned a one-year deal with the club.

The 36-year-old, who is on duty with Poland at Euro 2016, was entitled to fresh terms after triggering an appearance-related clause in his previous contract, as revealed in April by the Daily Echo.

Federici, 31, signed a new three-year deal earlier this week, the Australian international having featured six times in the Premier League in his first season with Cherries following his move from Reading.

Boruc kept seven clean sheets in 32 games in the top flight and played a key role as Howe’s team preserved their status.

A free transfer from Southampton last summer, he also impressed during two separate loan spells when Cherries won the Championship in 2014-15.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “I think we have seen the importance of the goalkeeper position in the past couple of seasons.

“Artur was outstanding in our promotion season from the Championship and made some crucial saves and won us some crucial points last season.

“He was a huge presence behind the back four and his Premier League experience was absolutely vital for us at times last season.

“We have two very good goalkeepers competing for the spot and, ideally, that is what you want in every position. We have certainly got that in the goalkeeping department.

“Feds has been excellent for us. First and foremost, he is a very good goalkeeper. He has a great attitude, he is a very good trainer and has been a really good team-mate.

“He had to watch Artur play outstandingly well towards the turn of the year and at the end of the season so it would have been frustrating for him not to have played more last season. His attitude and application to his work meant we were keen for him to stay with us.

“In the Championship and Premier League, Artur has showed just how good he is and, when Feds got his opportunity, he was unfortunate to get injured.

“When you work with the players every day behind the scenes you get a really good idea of how talented they are and Feds is an outstanding goalkeeper himself.

“We are delighted they have both signed new contracts and are looking forward to continue working with them.”

Federici displaced Boruc after a combination of injury and a dip in form had seen the Polish stopper taken out of the firing line in November.

But in his fifth Premier League appearance, Federici damaged his ankle and was replaced at half-time by Ryan Allsop during Cherries’ memorable 3-3 draw with Everton.

Boruc’s return in December coincided with the start of a run which saw Cherries register a hat-trick of league wins against Chelsea, Manchester United and West Brom.

Federici, who started Cherries’ six cup games, earned his sixth league appearance in Cherries’ 3-1 defeat at Manchester United in May.