ADAM Smith believes a fully-fit squad with a few summer additions could see Cherries challenge for their highest Premier League finish next season.

Eddie Howe's charges last season battled to 14th in the top flight after a raft of injuries to key players.

The Dorset club had looked on course to improve on their 46 points and ninth-placed finish in 2016-17 but came up short in a challenging campaign.

While Cherries continue to deliver Premier League football at Vitality Stadium, full-back Smith insists the team do not want to settle for mid-table status.

Smith told the Daily Echo: "We have been in the Premier League for four seasons now. We do not want to be one of those teams who are just happy to be in mid-table. If we have a fully fit squad and keep a lot of competition in each position and, maybe, add a few this summer, then hopefully we can challenge for the top seven or top eight.

"You want to keep your best players and hopefully we do and also add some players as well. Hopefully, next season is better for us."