ARTUR Boruc admitted it had been difficult to adapt to becoming a back-up goalkeeper.

The 38-year-old was drafted in for his first Premier League appearance since May 2017 in Cherries’ 2-0 victory over West Ham.

Polish star Boruc replaced Asmir Begovic, who, until Saturday, had been ever present in the league since his arrival from Chelsea 18 months ago.

Asked how tough it had been to stay ready for league action, former Celtic stopper Boruc told the club website: “It was very hard.

"I don’t want to sound rude but in my adventure with football I wasn’t really a number two many times.

“It was hard to switch places but it takes time. I was working hard and, hopefully, that will pay off in the next couple of weeks.

“To play football, you have to enjoy it. I am not going to say I’m getting younger but I’m still enjoying it and that’s quite important.”

Assessing his 450th appearance in club football, he added: “It’s a great feeling to get three points and the clean sheet was important.

“I am very pleased with my team-mates.

“They didn’t let the opposing team create so many chances, which was a good thing for me after that long break.”