Cherries defender Ethan Laird believes he’s become a ‘better person’ since his arrival on loan in January.
The 20-year-old has made two starts in a row for Scott Parker’s side, after injury affected his first months at the club.
Speaking to afcb.co.uk ahead of the visit of Fulham on Saturday, Laird said: “I definitely feel like I’m a better person because of this loan.
“You come from a bubble playing for Manchester United, I went to Swansea and already knew the Gaffer so it’s good to be in a new environment and working with a new manager.
“Obviously it’s hard when you come to a new place and it doesn’t go the way you want it, it’s about staying with the task, staying persistent and taking your chance when you get it and I’ve had my chance and I seem to be keeping my spot at the moment.”
The Manchester United loanee has integrated well within the dressing room, and is often spotted on the training ground with his trademark smile.
His work rate as he recovered from injury has impressed Parker and he’s used the opportunity following Jordan Zemura’s unfortunate injury to stake a claim for a spot in the squad.
He continued: “I think the chemistry throughout the squad shows on the pitch, I can’t really say it about most squads but in this squad, everyone loves each other, it’s got a real family feel and it shows on the pitch. I’m loving it with the lads.
“I came here to learn, even if the journey is short and long, my feelings to it don’t change. I’m learning how to deal with new things that I haven’t experienced before.
“I’m really enjoying it all now.”
The Cherries take on Fulham at Vitality Stadium on Saturday, the visitors fresh from confirming automatic promotion to the Premier League during the week.
Laird knows full well how strong Marco Silva’s team are, being defeated 3-1 by Fulham during his loan spell with Swansea City, Aleksandar Mitrovic netting three times.
He said: “They’re a top side, but we’re also a top side with a great squad so I’m really looking forward to it, I know all of the lads are buzzing for it and it should be a great game.
“It's a tough game, that game was a bit unfortunate and they killed the game off in the first half. I know with this squad, we’ve got a good chance and I hope we’ll have the fans with us the whole way and we can get a result.
“We’ve set off on a mission, you could say, and we’re here to get it completed, Fulham at the weekend is part of the mission and we’re excited for it. We know it’s going to be a good game.”
