DEFENDER Steve Cook was keen to take the positives from Cherries’ goalless stalemate with Queens Park Rangers and added: “We’re still unbeaten.”

The commanding centre-half played 90 minutes as Jason Tindall’s side were left to ponder a goalless draw with the R’s at Vitality Stadium.

Cherries failed to register a shot on target against their west London opposition – victory would have seen them go level on points with early pace-setters Bristol City and Reading.

But 29-year-old Cook, part of Cherries’ Championship title-winning squad in 2015, is fully aware there is still a long way to go.

He told the Daily Echo: “I know fans will look at this result and be very disappointed, but it’s a long, long season.

“I think West Brom drew 17 games last year and got promoted, so it’s still very early days.

“We’re unbeaten this season and when you don’t play well, you just have to make sure you don’t lose.”

Assessing Saturday’s performance as a whole, Cook added: “No shots on target, but we had half-decent chances.

“Dom’s (Solanke’s) one first half was an inch away from going in and we had a couple of chances where the build-up was nearly there and we made the wrong decision or a poor pass.

“I don’t think it’s all doom and gloom.

“We know what the Championship is like. QPR are a good side. They worked extremely hard and their chances came from us.”

Cherries boss Tindall had a number of his squad away on international duty ahead of Saturday’s clash.

And, while he would not let it be an excuse for his side’s display, Cook admitted Cherries had looked “a bit leggy”.

Asked whether the two-week break had an impact, the Hastings-born star replied: “Yeah, I think so. We’ve had a lot of players do a lot of miles, with a lot of games in there.

“Obviously the players that stayed behind as well, we’ve been kind of thrown off a little bit, but it’s no excuse.

“We looked a little bit leggy out there. I’m just pleased that, without playing well, we’ve got a point and a clean sheet.

“I think that’s what you need when you don’t play well, you have to try and get something out the game. The positive was that we didn’t concede and we’re still unbeaten.”

Cherries are still third in the table, with 11 points from their opening five league games.