DETERMINED Dan Gosling admitted he had been “itching to get out there” in Cherries’ fight for Premier League survival.

The 30-year-old put in a superb display in the heart of midfield during the Dorset club’s 0-0 draw with Tottenham on Thursday – and could be set to keep his place for Sunday’s visit of Leicester (7pm).

Gosling’s start against Spurs was his first since the Premier League’s resumption, with boss Eddie Howe describing as “absolutely outstanding” his display.

The former Everton and Newcastle man told the Daily Echo: “I feel good. My first start since lockdown. I have been itching to get out there.

“I feel like I’ve been ready. I haven’t had the start but Thursday was good. I just have to continue it now on Sunday and hopefully for the remainder of the season

“We’ve got to be disappointed we didn’t come away with three points in the end but it’s a huge positive to not lose that game – which we would have done, or have done, across the season.

“I’m slightly disappointed we didn’t get all three points but it’s a small stepping stone.”

Gosling is preparing to take on a Leicester side looking to secure Champions League football under Brendan Rodgers next season.

Former England frontman Jamie Vardy netted twice when the Foxes sealed a 3-1 victory over Cherries back in August – a double on his way to recently bringing up a century of top-flight goals.

Gosling said: “Hopefully that will be him done now, for a week anyway!

“But no, they have had a great season. They are fourth and going for the Champions League in a solid position.

“They play great football, have made some great signings. They are a big club, a big team, have got good players, pass the ball very well and they’ve improved a lot this year.

“They fully deserve where they are but we have had good results against them in the past and we need one on Sunday.”

With Cherries’ relegation rivals all set to play before them this weekend – Brixham-born Gosling admits he may avoid watching those contests ahead of taking to the field himself.

“I might try to distract myself away from it. It’s out of your control. Why watch something when you can’t control the destiny of it? I probably will skip those games,” he added.

“I’ve got two little ones at home – they keep me occupied!

“We will probably go out Saturday. We will be in training then will take them (the kids) out maybe down the park – that will get me out for an hour.

“There are big games Saturday. It’s not nice to rely on other results but, ultimately, that’s where we are right now.

“But we’ve got to focus on ourselves and have to win our games to give ourselves a chance. Sunday is a big, big game.”