UNKNOWN quantity Mohamed Coulibaly is desperate to prove wrong his doubters as he prepares for his baptism in the English game.

The versatile frontman has made an instant impression on the Dean Court faithful after catching the eye during Cherries’ final three pre-season friendlies.

Unearthed by boss Eddie Howe during Cherries’ training camp in south Germany and Switzerland, Coulibaly was subsequently signed on a free transfer from Grasshoppers.

His arrival raised a few eyebrows in some quarters, especially as the 24-year-old had been restricted to just 10 appearances in almost two years with the Swiss giants.

Signed in October 2011, Coulibaly cut his teeth with Grasshoppers’ second team in the Swiss fourth tier before playing just 204 minutes in the Super League.

In an interview with the Daily Echo, Coulibaly, who prefers to be known as Senegalese rather than French, said: “I know nobody had heard of me in England before I came to Bournemouth and I feel I have made a good start.

“It was difficult at first because I think some people didn’t think I was very good because I hadn’t played too many games.

“I had seen this written about me so it was very important to make a good start and try to show people what I am capable of.

“I probably went to Zurich (Grasshoppers) at a bad time because I had an adductor injury a couple of months after I had arrived. It was difficult for me because I tried to play through the injury for about eight or nine months and it is not the same as when you feel good.

“I had surgery and worked hard with the physio. I feel good now and feel I have come to Bournemouth at a good time.”

Coulibaly, who netted a stunning 30-yarder in Cherries’ 2-1 warm-up win over Portsmouth, could have played his way into contention to start against Charlton today (3pm).

He added: “It is my first season in England and I don’t know much about the Championship. I know the team had a fantastic season and were promoted. The manager has said it is going to be a tough season but we have some quality players and a very good team spirit.

“Everybody wants to play and I am no different. You have to work hard to get in the team and keep working hard to stay there. When you play, you have to play as well as you can and, if you don’t, you have to support the other players.”

Asked whether he was aware supporters had taken to him, Coulibaly replied: “I feel it and it is a very good sensation! When I am in the thick of the action, I feel the supporters are behind me and it makes me want to do well for them.

“One of the reasons I wanted to come to England was because people are crazy for their football and it is not like that in Switzerland. It is perfect for me.”