CHERRIES stalwart Charlie Daniels insisted being under threat was nothing new and said he was ready to battle summer signing Diego Rico for a starting spot.

Daniels has commanded the left-back berth since joining the Dorset club on loan from Leyton Orient in 2011, before signing permanently the following year.

The addition of £10.7million recruit Rico from Leganes had cast doubt over the 31-year-old's place in Eddie Howe's starting line-up.

But Daniels says he is looking forward to competing with the Spaniard, who is currently suspended, for the shirt.

He told the Daily Echo: “It is going to be tough but that is what Premier League clubs do – they sign good players who threaten your position.

"It is going to be a challenge but one I am looking forward to.

“A lot of left-backs have come to the club since I’ve been here, it is not new, but it is another challenge and, hopefully, it will make me better.

“I relish it. I’m the sort of person who rolls up their sleeves and says 'bring it on'. We will see what happens in the next six months."

The former Tottenham youngster, who is closing on his 250th appearance for Cherries, put in a fine performance in the season-opening 2-0 win over Cardiff.

Among a series of positive moments, he provided the pass which led to Callum Wilson winning a penalty.

Daniels admitted he would support whoever played in the starting line-up.

“I’m more for the team than I am for myself," he said.

"If Rico plays I am all behind him and hope he does well because he could be a big asset for the side in the years to come.

“Not only him, but Jefferson Lerma as well. It is a big-money signing. Hopefully, he can fit in well and make a difference.

“It is a hell of a lot of money. Ten years ago the club nearly went out of the league and then spent £4,000 on Harry Arter.

"It has been an upward spiral and we need to compete in this league. We will always need additions.

“If you look at every club, apart from Tottenham, they have bought someone. It is about trying to improve, freshening it up and getting quality additions."

Daniels is likely to start in Cherries next two matches against West Ham and Everton due to Rico's suspension.

And Daniels said his team-mate's guaranteed absence had not altered his approach to the first month of the season.

“I went in with a normal frame of mind," he said.

"It is unfortunate Rico is suspended, I didn’t even know that until last week. I was just focused on trying to get into the team for the first game of the season.

“Now it is up to me to do well in the first three games and then we will see what happens.”