EX-Cherries skipper Jason Pearce – a keen Chelsea follower – says he always knew goalkeeper Asmir Begovic was “the real deal”.

Begovic, who shared digs with Pearce during their days together as apprentices at Portsmouth, is tomorrow set to line up for Cherries against the Blues at Stamford Bridge.

The Bosnian stopper reunited with Pearce during a loan spell at Dean Court in 2007 and won the Premier League title with Chelsea last season before signing for Cherries in the summer.

Pearce told the Daily Echo: “When I first saw him play, I thought ‘wow, this guy is the real deal’.

“I was in digs with him and got to know him really well. Earning the small amount of money he was as an apprentice, I knew he would go on to do well.

“I knew he would play at the highest level and knew he would never change and he hasn’t changed at all as a guy. That’s credit to him and his family and the way he was brought up.

“Everyone speaks highly of him and I am so pleased with how well he has done in the game. I am delighted he is doing well for Bournemouth and he will have a good career there.”