ASMIR Begovic insisted distribution had become “a big part of the game” for modern goalkeepers.

The Cherries star also said a manager’s philosophy played a key role in how a stopper operated with their feet.

The Bosnian international was speaking ahead of Cherries’ trip to Burnley on Saturday (3pm), a fixture where he is likely to come up against England international Joe Hart.

Hart was axed by Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola in 2016 with the former Barcelona manager understood to have wanted a keeper more comfortable with the ball at his feet.

A two-time Premier League winner, Hart opted for loan spells at Torino and West Ham before joining the Clarets for a reported £3.5million in August.

The Shrewsbury-born 31-year-old told Sky Sports: 'I'm cool with Pep, I think he's a top manager. I didn't thank him for his opinion, but his honesty was second to none. We tried to make the best of a bad situation for both of us.”

Quizzed on whether a goalkeeper was now expected to be confident on the ball, Begovic told the Daily Echo: “It depends on the system you play but distribution and playing with your feet is a big part of the game.

“At the same time, our first job is to be commanding, save your shots and everything else will come.

“But you have to try to fit into the manager’s philosophy. Not everyone can do everything and sometimes it doesn’t work out the way you want it to.

“Joe is one of the best keepers around. He’s proven it for a long time now and I will be looking forward to playing against him.”

Hart has made 26 saves in five top-flight games for Sean Dyche’s side this season – more than any other goalkeeper.

In his Premier League career, he averages more than 19 passes per game.

Cherries ace Begovic has pulled off 15 stops this campaign and on average plays more than 22 passes.

Burnley competed in Europe for the first time in 51 years this season but were knocked out by Olympiakos in the Europa League qualifying play-off stage.

The Clarets are yet to win a game in 11 competitive fixtures and are bottom of the Premier League with one point.

Begovic, who has played in Europe with Stoke and Chelsea, believes the Turf Moor outfit could have been suffering from a European hangover.

Asked what it had been like to deal with midweek European tests, he added: “It’s easier once you get used to it of course.

“At first it’s difficult to get into a routine and get into the right habits of what you have to do. The experience is key.

“Maybe it played a part in their start but they are a really good side, a tough team with a really good manager so I don’t think we will be looking too much into what’s been going on before with them.”