RIGHT-back Adam Smith does not feel his position in the Cherries line-up is safe.

The former Tottenham man has started all five Premier League games this season, helping Eddie Howe’s side to their best start to a top-flight campaign.

But the energetic 27-year-old, who rejoined Cherries more than four and a half years ago, says he still has work to do.

Smith told the Daily Echo: “In the Championship, I didn’t play as many games as I would have liked and I had to work hard and be patient.

“The gaffer has put trust in me and, hopefully, I can stay in the team.

“I wouldn’t say it’s nailed down. Every week, I know I have to perform and if I don’t, I will probably come out of the side.

“That’s the same for every other player. The gaffer has good quality players to take your place.

“I have to stay on my game and keep performing.”

Cherries have 10 points in the bank with only Chelsea, Liverpool, Manchester City and Watford having enjoyed more successful starts to the campaign.

The Dorset club are tomorrow due to face a Burnley side who proved a surprise package in qualifying for Europe last season.

Asked what Cherries could achieve, Smith said: “I don’t think there is any limit. As a team, we don’t get carried away. We focus on things week by week.

“If we keep winning, you never know where it’s going to take us.

“Burnley did well last season having only been back in the Prem for a couple of seasons. It shows it’s possible and if we keep playing like this, we can have a season like that.

“In the Premier League, it’s so tight outside the top six. Seventh and eighth is always up for grabs.

“If we keep winning and performing like we are, hopefully, we can finish around seventh or eighth.”

Smith scored his first goal in nearly seven months when he lashed home Ryan Fraser’s low cross in the 4-2 win over Leicester City last Saturday.

And the former England under-21 international admits he may look to pull the trigger more often in future.

He said: “I was saying to the lads the other day that I wish I could have a few tap-ins to get my tally up.

“I only scored one last season and at the start of this season I wanted to get a few more goals.

“I think I have the ability to do it so, hopefully, I can.

“As a full-back, you don’t get that many chances but when you do, it’s about being clinical.

“Maybe a few times outside the box, I could have a pop a bit more.”