STALWART Andrew Surman insisted he would not let his contract situation affect his focus and said: “It’s probably out of my hands a little bit.”

The 33-year-old, who was recently voted in the Daily Echo readers’ Cherries team of the decade, sees his current deal at Vitality Stadium expire in the summer.

Midfielder Surman has played more than 200 times for Cherries across three spells, including two loan periods at the Dorset club.

He impressed having played 90 minutes for Eddie Howe’s side in a 4-0 FA Cup third-round win over Luton earlier this month and could feature against Arsenal in the last 32 on Monday (8pm).

Asked about his contract situation by the Daily Echo, Johannesburg-born Surman said: “Obviously I’m aware that I’m out of contract in the summer but you’ve got to produce performances and that’s all I’m concentrating on really.

“If I do, the contract will come or who knows what will happen in the future. But all I’m focused on really is trying to play as well as I can for Bournemouth.

“I think the contract thing is something that’s not really been on my mind.

“Obviously I’ve just wanted to make sure I’m getting in the team, getting in the squad, contributing in some way and what will happen, will happen.

“I can’t really worry too much about that, it’s probably out of my hands a little bit. So I’ve just got to carry on going and work hard.”

Surman was ever-present in Cherries’ first season in the Premier League and appointed vice-captain ahead of the 2016-17 campaign.

But he has seen his game-time limited this season, featuring for just 55 minutes in three substitute appearances in the division. The former Southampton and Norwich ace was being readied to come on against Brighton on Tuesday before the full-time whistle denied him an opportunity.

“Any player will tell you, when you’re not playing, it’s frustrating,” Surman said.

“I’m no different to anyone else. But I’m not the only one. Players will be left out and be frustrated so I think the most important thing is you keep working hard in training, you keep mentally right, because you never know when you’re going to get called on.

“You can suddenly be chucked on the pitch when you haven’t played since September and you’ve got to produce. That’s the most important thing I think, it’s not losing heart.

“And if you’re not contributing on the pitch, you’ve got to contribute off it and that’s what I’ve tried to do.”

Quizzed on the midfielder’s contract situation ahead of his side’s showdown with the Gunners, Cherries boss Howe said: “I think that’s something that is probably not for now with our current situation but it will take its course and we will speak at some stage I’m sure.

“But as long as he’s contributing on and off the pitch and being that role model for us, I see no problems.”

He added: “Andrew’s seen a lot in the game. He has been involved in a lot of different challenges and I think all the lads look at him and totally respect him in every way.

“When he plays he brings calmness, the technical ability on the pitch and he makes us play some lovely football. He’s got a big part to play.

“I think he can have an impact in loads of different ways, obviously behind the scenes he’s an incredible part of what we do.

“His attitude to training is spot on, his attitude to his preparation is spot on. Other players watch and see how it should be done and he sets the example.

“He is very much a role model within the squad. A lot of players look at him and I’m sure will follow him in how he conducts himself.

“He’s a winner, he still wants to be involved, he still wants to play and he still wants to contribute on the pitch. I back him to do it.”