Cherries: Byrne vows to to be ready if called upon

NATHAN Byrne immediately set his sights on claiming Cherries' right-back berth after insisting he was ready to hit the ground running in League One. The Tottenham Hotspur loan man is hoping to start the season as the first choice in his favoured position when Cherries begin the 2011-12 campaign at Charlton Athletic this afternoon (3pm). Byrne, signed on a season-long loan in July, has previous experience of the third tier from a stint with Brentford last term. And the St Albans-born prospect says he will be raring to go if selected to make his debut in Lee Bradbury's team at the Valley. Byrne told the Daily Echo: Just before the end of last season, I went on loan to Brentford for three months. I went there as a right-back but ended up playing right midfield for most of my time there. That was a good experience. But now, I want to come here and try to cement a place in the starting XI as a right-back. My preferred position is full-back. I am an attacking full-back but right-back is my main position. I am ready to start the season and, hopefully, I can do well for Bournemouth for the season I am here. After signing the 19-year-old, Cherries boss Bradbury revealed he had to fend off strong competition from other interested League One clubs. Byrne was pleased to secure a move to Cherries and said the squad's togetherness could help them prosper this term. He said: The boys here have had a good pre-season. I had a very good pre-season at Tottenham and played about five or six full 90-minute games. All the boys are ready to start now. The lads are great and everyone has welcomed me. It is a good team and a good, tight squad. Everyone is close with each other and I think we are going to do well this season. Bournemouth is a really nice place and I can definitely think of worse places to be on loan. I am happy with where I am at the moment so, hopefully, I can transfer that into my footballing ability as well. Asked what type of player Cherries fans could expect to see, Byrne added: Exciting and, hopefully, entertaining. Byrne has been handed squad number two and will be battling Stephen Purches for the right-back spot.

Source: Bournemouth_Echo