CHERRIES star Joshua King believes he is starting to reap the benefits of playing as an out-and-out striker.

King, who joined Cherries in a £1million move from Blackburn in the summer, bagged his first goal for the club when he opened the scoring in the 2-2 draw at Swansea.

The 23-year-old frontman has turned in eye-catching displays since coming on as a half-time substitute at Southampton earlier this month.

King experienced mixed fortunes at the start of the season when he was utilised in a more withdrawn role.

The Norwegian international told the Daily Echo he was “100 per cent pleased” he had made the move and added: “I’m getting used to it now and am starting to feel at home.

“I know when I play well and when I don’t. I know I didn’t play well in the first couple of games. I felt it was a fresh start when I came on against Southampton, both mentally and physically.

“I’ve got one of the best managers in the game to help me become a better player.

“I was struggling when I played as a number 10 but, as a number nine, I think that suits me better. I am getting used to it more every week.

“We’ve had bad luck with injuries and everyone wants to play. There is competition everywhere.

“Every game is tough in this league. It’s not like the Championship where sometimes you think you can walk all over clubs.”