SAM Surridge admitted his non-league loan moves had put him on track for the Premier League.

The Cherries striker developed his craft at Weymouth and Poole Town before enjoying extended spells at Football League sides Yeovil Town and Oldham Athletic.

Surridge fired 12 goals in 20 appearances for the Latics and last month was recalled to Vitality Stadium.

Asked about the value of his time in non-league football, Surridge told the Daily Echo: "I learned a lot at Poole. I went there in Conference South and wanted to play men's football. I wanted to prove myself.

"I knew if I started proving myself at that level, I would gradually keep moving up. At the time, it did not feel as if I would get (to the first-team squad) but you have to trust the process and keep working hard.

"I had a lot of lows when at the non-league teams but you get through it and learn from it and, at the time, you don't realise certain things you have developed.

"It put me in a really good stead because I knew how physical football could be and I learned that from a young age."

In December, the former Ferndown Upper pupil was handed a new contract to reward his success at League Two Oldham.

The deal will see Surridge, who is yet to play for Cherries, remain with the Dorset club until at least the summer of 2021.

Asked how he had progressed from the 18-year-old who found his feet with Poole in the 2016-17 season, Surridge said: "I know I have changed with the way I use my body and have learned more about game management.

"In three years' time, if you look back to now I know you will be able to see how different I am again.

"I am gradually improving but my loan spells at Weymouth, Poole and Yeovil were key to me doing well at Oldham."