ANTOINE Semenyo says he feels “very grateful” after making his Premier League debut.

The 23-year-old joined from Bristol City last month, for a reported initial £9million.

He led the line for Cherries, playing the full 90 minutes of Saturday’s 1-0 defeat against Brighton & Hove Albion at the Amex Stadium.

And while it was not the result he hoped for, for Semenyo it marked the latest milestone in a career which saw him snapped up by Bristol City as a 17-year-old.

The Ghana international has now played in each of the top four leagues in England, with the Robins, Newport County, Sunderland and Cherries, as well as having a spell in non-league during a loan stay at Bath City.

Reflecting on his Premier League debut, Semenyo told the Daily Echo: “On a personal note, obviously it’s a dream of mine to play in the Premier League.

“So I’m grateful for that moment, but just need to keep building and keep improving.

“I found out (the starting XI) in the meeting on the Friday.

“I saw my name and obviously I was smiling, I couldn’t stop smiling!

“But I’ve got a job to do, so I tried to control my nerves and excitement and make sure I did a job.”

Semenyo, who had his parents and friends in the crowd in Brighton, added: “They’re all proud of me.

“It’s been a long journey and I’m very, very grateful. Just need to keep going, keep pushing.”

The forward had the chance to cap his debut with goal. A fine solo run saw him reach the edge of the box where he let fly, only for defender Pervis Estupinan to produce a brilliant block.

“I was hoping I got an opportunity,” said Semenyo, reflecting on that opening.

“To be fair, well defended from the full-back.”

Discussing the game as a whole, Semenyo added: “It’s obviously a frustrating one.

“I felt like we should’ve got more from the game.

“I feel like we defended really well, pressed really well and we had our opportunities.

“We weren’t clinical on our end. But then conceding late is obviously heartbreaking.

“It is painful to take, but we just have to keep improving, keep pushing and go again next week.”

Semenyo, who featured in the World Cup for Ghana last year, will hope for home debut this weekend.

Eddie Howe’s in-form Newcastle head to Vitality Stadium on Saturday (5.30pm), with Cherries seeking the win they need to lift them out of the relegation zone.