Cherries: New deal for keeper Jalal

08 March 2010 07:00
TOP performer Shwan Jalal became the latest star to commit his future to Cherries and then emphasised his strong belief in the club's gallant promotion quest.[LNB] Just hours after penning a new two-and-a-half year contract, Jalal produced a trademark solid display to help the Dean Court outfit secure a 1-0 win over Morecambe.[LNB] Jalal, who described himself as overjoyed and honoured to have been handed the opportunity to extend his stay in Dorset, revealed the decision to remain loyal had been an easy one.[LNB] The former Tottenham Hotspur and Peterborough goalkeeper believes he can realise his ambition of playing up the divisions with the club he joined, initially on loan, in July 2008.[LNB] He told the Echo: I think a lot of the players in this team can play at a higher level.[LNB] If we can keep the squad together and develop and mature together, without a question, if we keep applying ourselves, then we will play at a higher level.[LNB] I've not had many seasons where, even at this stage, I've still been playing for something.[LNB] I got to the FA Trophy final with Woking and we were in with a shout of the play-offs in my first season there.[LNB] But the past two seasons have been fantastic last season staying up and this time pushing for promotion.[LNB] It's just a fantastic place to be at the moment. I think we've come too far for promotion not to be attainable.[LNB] The 26-year-old added: I just want to carry on and push onwards and upwards. I think the best thing for me is to do it with Mossy, Jason and Eddie.[LNB] Delighted boss Howe revealed that hard graft was the key to Jalal's consistent performances.[LNB] He said: He's really focused and has worked ever so hard with Neil Moss, who has been brilliant for him.[LNB] He has come in on days off to practice his game and he's done extra strength sessions off his own back.[LNB] It's something that I really like about him that he's desperate to improve and to be successful. That's why he's had the success he's had this year.[LNB] Jalal is the fourth player to be rewarded with a new contract in recent weeks, with Marvin Bartley, Liam Feeney and Ryan Garry also signing new two-and-a-half year deals with the club.[LNB]

Source: Bournemouth_Echo