Smith Pleased By Clyne Competition

Adam Smith says he’s looking forward to the increased competition for places in the Bournemouth team after Nathaniel Clyne’s arrival.

Smith has predominantly operated as a right-back for the Cherries but has switched flanks for the last two Premier League matches to accommodate Clyne following his move from Liverpool on loan for the remainder of the season.

The former Tottenham youngster says he is happy to play wherever boss Eddie Howe needs him to and appeared comfortable on the left-hand side of defence as the south-coast club kept their first clean sheet in six matches against West Ham last week.

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Smith claims that it is only right there is competition for places in Bournemouth’s defence and hopes the battle with Clyne will help him raise his game to the next level.

When asked about the signing of Clyne, Smith told the Bournemouth Echo: “He’s a good addition to the squad. I don’t expect for me to be the only right-back, I don’t think you can have that.

“I knew the club had to get someone in and it’s good we have a lot of strength in depth now. It can only help us individually to have competition like that.

“Pressure was always there before with Franno, Diego and Chaz so nothing has really changed. It’s good for the squad to have competition.”