JOE Rothwell says making it back to the Premier League was always his aim, after leaving Manchester United six years ago.

The talented midfielder came through the youth ranks of the Old Trafford club, and was named on the bench for a top-flight game against Watford in March 2016.

But boss Louis van Gaal opted not to bring him on and a few months later, Rothwell left his boyhood club for League One Oxford United.

After two years with the U's, he moved on again, this time to step into the Championship with Blackburn Rovers on a free transfer.

Following four seasons in the second tier, Rothwell turned down the offer of a new deal at Ewood Park, instead making the step up again, into the top flight with Cherries, penning a four-year contract over the weekend.

Asked what it was like to now be called a Premier League player, Rothwell told afcbTV: "It sounds good, doesn't it!?

"It's something I've been working towards ever since I left United as a kid, it was always an ambition of mine to get back there one day.

"I'm thankful that this club has given me the opportunity to do that."

Discussing what he feels he can bring to Cherries' midfield, Rothwell said: "I like to try and pick the ball up a bit deeper, or higher, and I like to run with the ball.

"There's probably not many midfielders who will get it and try and run the length of the pitch, which is what I can sometimes do!

"It's a quality that just comes quite naturally to me and hopefully I can get out on that pitch and do the same here.

"Hopefully I can come here and showcase my talents in this league and hopefully catch the eye."

Quizzed on his defensive attributes, the 27-year-old added: "It's a side of the game I've had to work really hard on, my out of possession and defensive side of the game.

"Over the last 18 months to two years, it is something that I've really improved on."

Rothwell made 161 appearances for Blackburn.