O'Kane Deal

Last updated : 11 March 2014 By Bournemouth Co-Ordinator

Having impressed with his midfield displays, Eunan O'Kane has been rewarded by the Cherries with a new contract which takes him out to the end of the 2016/17 season, to which the 23-year-old is now targeting Premiership football at Dean Court during the life of this new deal.

Speaking in the Bournemouth Evening Echo on the deal, O'Kane is quoted as saying: "The club has shown me enough over the last 18 months to suggest that there are huge strides being taken to get to the top level as soon as possible. That was part of the reason that I was more than happy to sign. The club’s goals mirror mine in the long-term and if I can be part of that and help Bournemouth get there then great. There’s no one that comes in here every day and thinks they are content to stay in the Championship. As a professional footballer you want to keep bettering yourself and play against better players. There’s an awful lot of work that goes on behind the scenes to progress the club and to take us to that next stage. The owner has shown ambition to strengthen the squad this year and if we can add one or two and continue to progress, then there’s no reason why can’t be looking to make that step up before my contract runs out. For now we want to make sure we’re considered an established Championship club and hopefully in the next few years we can talk about making the next step".