LOANEE Matias Vina says he has been “surprised” by the quality in Cherries’ squad, as he looks to help the club pull away from relegation danger.

Left-back Vina arrived at the club last month from Roma, on a deal until the end of the season.

The 25-year-old made his debut as a substitute in last weekend’s 1-0 defeat at Brighton & Hove Albion.

Discussing his first impressions of life on the south coast of England, Uruguay international Vina told Sky Sports, speaking through a translator: “I don't have a car or a house here yet, so I'm just in a hotel.

"They have welcomed me very well. It's a very nice atmosphere and a nice town. I feel I've settled in quickly with the group."

Cherries are on an eight-game winless run, suffering defeat in seven of those matches.

Asked what he has made of his new teammates so far, Vina said: "It surprised me in a good way, the competitiveness between our team, which is in a difficult position, and a Brighton side which is really high in the table.

"The truth is the games are very even. In the other leagues I've played in, the teams are not so evenly matched. Where the teams are in the table generally defines the outcome of the game.

"But from what I've seen, our team looks very good, very intense.

"It has surprised me a lot."

He added: "Physically, it's stronger here.

"Even in training, I'm really feeling that. In Italy, the games are a little bit more tactical.

“In moments, they can be end-to-end, but not like here, where every game is back and forth, back and forth, back and forth. It's a lot more intense."

Vina will hope to make his Vitality Stadium debut tomorrow, against Newcastle United (5.30pm).