GOALKEEPER Artur Boruc could extend his stay with Cherries after triggering an appearance-related clause entitling him to a new contract.

Boruc has kept seven clean sheets in 31 games in the Premier League this season, playing a key role as Eddie Howe’s team preserved their top-flight status.

The 36-year-old joined Cherries on a free transfer last summer after impressing during two separate loan spells from Southampton as the Dorset club won the Championship.

He became Howe’s first permanent signing following promotion and finalised terms on a one-year deal with provision for a further 12 months after playing an agreed number of games.

And Boruc, who is expected to be named in the Poland squad for this summer’s European Championships, has now activated the clause.

Capped 61 times by his country, Boruc and his representatives are expected to open talks with Cherries officials on a new deal in the next few weeks.

Boruc helped Cherries become the only team in the Premier League to prevent newly-crowned champions Leicester from scoring in open play when he saved a Riyad Mahrez penalty during a 0-0 draw at the King Power Stadium in January.

He was also between the sticks when Jamie Vardy bagged a late spot-kick to earn the Foxes a 1-1 draw at Vitality Stadium at the end of August.

Boruc, who won a hat-trick of Scottish Premiership titles with Celtic, has been ever present for Cherries in the league since recovering from a knee problem which saw him miss their four games in November.

He was recalled for Cherries’ trip to Chelsea at the start of December and played a starring role as Howe’s team triumphed 1-0 at Stamford Bridge to halt an eight-match winless run in the top flight. The win also sparked a hat-trick of victories with Cherries following up against Manchester United and West Brom.

Boruc kept 16 clean sheets in 37 games during Cherries’ Championship-winning campaign and spent three years at Southampton where he made 49 appearances in the Premier League, helping them finish eighth in 2013-14.