CHERRIES striker Jeff Goulding is hoping to administer some knockout blows in League Two after enlisting the help of a boxing coach.

Goulding has turned to Canford School head of sport Mark Burley, a former number with Bournemouth Lions, in a bid to toughen up ahead of the new season.

He told the Daily Echo: “The manager spoke to me and said I needed to get a bit rougher and tougher. He said I needed to take a few blows, which I took on board, and was very willing to do.

“I’ve done a couple of sessions and they were tough. I took and threw a few punches and it seemed to do the trick. I’ll keep doing it and, hopefully, it will improve that side of my game. Mark doesn’t allow you to let up and it’s been really good.

“People have said I need to start putting my head in where it hurts.

“It’s something I’d love to bring to my game and if I can keep my looks then I’ll be happy!

“You’ve only got to look at our league because it’s rough and tough.

“I took a few blows in non-league and I really want to improve that part of my game.”

Goulding is expected to establish himself as one of Cherries’ frontline strikers this season after starting to realise his potential towards the end of the last campaign.

The 25-year-old is currently in the middle of a gruelling pre-season schedule, his first in the professional ranks.

“It’s been very different to what I’ve been used to,” admitted Goulding. “The main thing for me is fitness and staying fit.

“I’ve been doing things I’d never done before and there has been a lot of core work with Jon (Dalzell) the conditioning coach.

“The main differences from non-league are that you work every day, the intensity is a lot greater and the quality of player is better.

“I’ve felt tired at times, we all have, but I’ve also felt sharp in the games. It’s all going well for the start of the season and I know we’ll be ready.”

Cherries boss Eddie Howe said: “I’ve got a lot of time for Jeff and I think he’s got a lot of talent.

“I think he’s probably yet to show everybody how good he could be.

“One of the ways we think he could improve is by toughening up a bit.

“If he could add that to his technical ability, he could be a really big player for us this season.

“If he can improve that side of his game, it would only benefit him and us.”