DEFENDER Jack Stacey revealed it had been almost a month since he last properly kicked a football – as beach runs and spinning have become part of his training schedule.

The Cherries full-back, who this week celebrated his 24th birthday, revealed he last kicked a ball in training on March 12 – two days before the Dorset club’s home game with Crystal Palace was postponed.

Former Luton star Stacey has been given an exercise bike and weights to keep himself ticking over amid the COVID-19 pandemic – which has forced the Premier League to be suspended indefinitely.

Asked when he last kicked a football, the defender said: “It must have been the Thursday before the games were postponed. We came in on the Friday and were told about the postponements – I think it was the training session before that.

“I’ve got a ball in my apartment but I’m not really allowed to be kicking that!”

He added: “We have been given a schedule from the sports scientist. They dropped a spin bike round and some weights, so everyone has got the basics at home.

“I have done a few beach runs when we have been allowed.

“It’s hard to stay fit but it’s important at this stage when no-one knows what could happen in the future.

“You have to make sure you are ready for anything.”