AFC Bournemouth
Todd Cantwell was pleased to get back to winning ways on Saturday and is keen to keep momentum going with another good performance this evening.
The Norwich City loanee has been a popular addition to Scott Parker’s side and believes the Cherries need to keep being ‘brave’ in order to continue their push for promotion.
Speaking with the media ahead of tonight’s match, Cantwell revealed how the side approached the win over Derby.
“It’s about having the belief in what we’re doing, then ultimately, it’s about having the belief in what we’re being asked to do.
“The way that we played and the approach we took is what won us the game. It can be difficult if you’re not having your best game and it can be easy to get disheartened, but it’s about being brave and staying true to what it is you’re in the team to do.
“I think it was something we needed – we weren’t too pleased with the result against Peterborough and we know that we expect to beat teams like that, so we were desperate to go out and beat Derby and put on a bit of a performance.
“That’s the joy that everyone’s feeling at the moment and it’s something we want to hang on to.”
The Cherries host Reading at Vitality Stadium this evening and will be looking to cement their place in the automatic promotion spots ahead of a significant run-in.
Cantwell admits the team are in a good position but knows the dressing room can’t get complacent with a number of teams also in the race for second place.
He said: “We are in a favourable position, we know that. The team have put us in this position before I arrived, it’s now important that we continue to look forward and we have to do that by getting a win on Tuesday.
“From conversations I have in the changing room, everyone’s aligned in looking forward and not behind us. Having games in hand is a bit of power, but it’s only power if you win those games so for us, the next game is the most important.”
The midfielder has made seven appearances since arriving on loan on transfer deadline day and feels his best is yet to come – which will be music to the ears of Cherries fans.
“I know I’ve shown glimpses, but now it’s important for me to really kick on and really show the ability I’ve got in the final third.
“Something I’ve realised early on in my career is that I base my success on the team’s success. I can be the player that dictates momentum in games, that brings the team forward and brings something extra that teams need.
“The area has been easy to settle into – the time feels like it’s gone really quickly. I’ve had that breaking in stage now and the game time that I needed to get that base level of fitness.
“Now it’s about showing what I can do – I feel like I’m only going to get better and I’m nowhere near my best yet.”
