Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: New deal for keeper Jalal
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. 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. 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. 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. He told the Echo: I think a lot of the players in this team can play at a higher level. 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. I've not had many seasons where, even at this stage, I've still been playing for something. 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. But the past two seasons have been fantastic last season staying up and this time pushing for promotion. It's just a fantastic place to be at the moment. I think we've come too far for promotion not to be attainable. 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. Delighted boss Howe revealed that hard graft was the key to Jalal's consistent performances. He said: He's really focused and has worked ever so hard with Neil Moss, who has been brilliant for him. He has come in on days off to practice his game and he's done extra strength sessions off his own back. 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. 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.