CHERRIES’ squad were on target this week as they geared up for their trip to Aston Villa with a team bonding session, which included clay pigeon shooting.

Following on from last weekend’s brilliant 1-0 victory over Liverpool, Gary O’Neil’s players came together on Monday afternoon, before staff were invited along for a South American inspired barbecue in the afternoon.

It is understood captain Neto, a one-time Brazil international, was behind the plans, with O’Neil also keen on the idea.

Cherries’ boss explained: “Monday afternoon a few of them thought it was a real good idea to do something together.

“We’ve had a lot of new players come in, so I was in full support of it.

“I thought it would be a nice idea. They had a little afternoon out at a local place, a few team bonding exercises. I saw a lot of smiles and everyone had a nice afternoon.

“It happens quite regularly at football clubs, I just thought it was nice timing.

“A few of the boys are settling into a new country and a new team and things like that can help them.”

The shooting event was reserved for players only, with O’Neil joking: “I was disappointed I didn’t get an invite!

“I’m too old now, the lads go off without me.”

While the likes of Dominic Solanke or Philip Billing are tasked with hitting the target to lift Cherries away from relegation danger, it was a centre-back who stole the show with the gun.

Asked who was best on the range, O’Neil revealed: “I believe Illia (Zabarnyi). Apparently he was very, very good.”

Ukraine international Zabarnyi was one of six new arrivals at Cherries over the recent January transfer window.

Dango Ouattara, Hamed Traore, Darren Randolph, Matias Vina and Antoine Semenyo were also brought in to bolster the squad.

Discussing the post-shooting barbecue, which coaching staff were also invited to, O’Neil said: “Neto has played a big part in it for us.

“The lads had a good day. Then they were back in and ready to work, we had a good session on Tuesday morning as well.

“So it’s been a good week. The lads are in a good place, as I say most weeks, and proof of that will be on Saturday from 3pm to 5pm.”

He added: “I’m very proud of everything they’ve done so far this season.

“In the Premier League, which can be tough and is ruthless, we’ve been short at times, numbers wise.

“We’re not short anymore, but we’ve had a lot of new players come in in January, which isn’t easy, not easy at all.

“You see some other sides when they do a lot of business in transfer windows, it takes a long time to start to see any impact from that.

“The boys have managed to settle really well, because of how strong the group is and how together it is.

“Still lots to do, of course, loads of work to be done, but I’m really pleased with where they are at the moment.”

Cherries head to Villa Park tomorrow, looking to complete a league double over Villa, having defeated them on the opening day of the Premier League campaign in August.

Lots has changed for both clubs since, with goals from Jefferson Lerma and Kieffer Moore earning Scott Parker’s Cherries a 2-0 victory over Steven Gerrard’s Villans.

“They’re very different now to what they were then,” O’Neil said of Villa.

“Form under Unai Emery has been very, very good.

“Since he took charge, they’re right up the top part of the league, points wise.

“Very well organised, play some good football, got some good players, a threat in behind with (Ollie) Watkins and (Leon) Bailey. They’re a good side.

“It will be another very, very tough game for us, definitely.”