CHERRIES new boy Marcus Tavernier admits making a dream Premier League debut "hasn’t quite sunk in yet", before adding: "I feel like I've been down here for a year already."

Tavernier completed his switch to the south coast from Middlesbrough last week and was instantly thrust into the spotlight.

Despite having never played in the top flight before, the versatile 23-year-old was selected to play on the right of an attacking trio, supporting Dominic Solanke and Kieffer Moore.

And Tavernier made an fine impression on his new home supporters, producing a lively display as Cherries started their campaign with an impressive 2-0 victory over Aston Villa.

Asked after the game how it felt to be able to now say he has played in the Premier League, Tavernier told the Daily Echo: "It hasn’t quite sunk in yet.

"I think it will take a little while. I’m just focused on the next game now.

"We can’t get too ahead of this moment and we’ve got to enjoy it at the same time as well, because moments like this don’t happen every day and can only happen once.

"And the way that it happened, it was great and I can’t ask for a better debut."

He added: "To play your first Premier League game and put in a performance like this is great.

"I thought the team was brilliant in the way that we defended and the way we showed our character in the game was great. And I hope that everyone out there can see what we did (on Saturday)."

Making the switch to Cherries was a big move for Tavernier, geographically if nothing else.

Born in Leeds, the former England under-20 international spent close to a decade on Teesside with Boro, before heading 325 miles south to link up with Cherries.

"The boys have made it super easy for me," said Tavernier, when asked how he has settled in so far.

"It’s a great bunch of lads. I feel like I’ve been down here for a year already and I know everyone like the back of my thumb!

"It’s been great. I couldn’t have asked for a better set of lads to settle in with."

He added: "I’ve played with Lloyd (Kelly) at England so it’s good to see his face.

"He told me about the club and it was great to hear his input on what it’s about."

Discussing his new surroundings on the south coast, Tavernier said: "I’ve had a look. My family were down (on Saturday), so I’m going to enjoy the nice weather, because you don’t really get this up north!

"So I’m going to enjoy it with them and spend some time with them."

Asked who was at Vitality Stadium to witness his Premier League debut first-hand, Tavernier said: "Obviously my brother (Rangers defender James Tavernier) couldn’t make it because he was playing (against Kilmarnock), but I had my mum and dad down, which was great to have, because they’ve supported my career from when I was a little child.

"It was great to have them there. Hopefully they’ll be proud of me and I’ve done well for them."