Bournemouth defender Jack Simpson says he owes it to the non-league football that he is now fully prepared for the Premier League challenge.

Simpson spent a three-month loan at AFC Totton in Southern League South & West in 2015 and now he considers that time precious.

"That loan was brilliant in terms of physically getting used to being kicked around by older people. I always used to play out with the ball, so I used to get smashed a lot!" the 21-year-old told the Daily Echo.

"I was skinnier back then and probably needed it. There was one game, I can't remember who we played, but we drew 2-2. Me and the striker were at each other for the whole game. How we didn't both get sent off, I'm not sure!

"That was probably the best game in terms of a learning experience of how to keep my head in difficult situations and learning the tricks strikers use to try to get the edge on you.

"When I first went there, I didn't really know what to expect. I had never been on loan and didn't know much about the club but it was massive for me in terms of what I learned about decision-making in game situations.

"Even though it's not the same level, you still get put in similar situations and have to be clinical, especially in the defensive half."