Bartley determined to keep place

Dean Court - home of AFC Bournemouth (Getty Images)

Bournemouth midfielder Marvin Bartley said he is keen to maintain his place in the Cherries' first team.

The 21-year-old former window-fitter has recently enjoyed a run in the first team, after recovering from injury.

Bartley told BBC Radio Solent: "The gaffer told me to come in and do well. He's kept faith with me, but I know I've got to keep it going."

"There are people like Jo Tessem waiting in the wings to come in and take my place if I don't perform."

Bartley only turned professional with the Cherries last summer, joining from non-league side Hampton & Richmond.

It's been a difficult start for me in the professional game, but hopefully the worst of it has gone now Marvin Bartley

He was handed his chance in the first team in the 3-1 win at Port Vale in January, and has started every game since in the centre of the Bournemouth midfield.

Injury meant that Bartley was forced to wait until December to make his competitive debut for the Cherries, but he says he is hopeful his problems are behind him now.

"Touch wood I've come through that now, and will be alright for the rest of the season.

"It's been a difficult start for me in the professional game, but hopefully the worst of it has gone now, and I can just get on with playing for Bournemouth."

Bartley gave up his job as a window-fitter in the summer - a role he combined with playing for Hampton & Richmond in the third-tier of non-league football.