NOT many would have predicted Antoine Semenyo to be among the starting XI for Cherries at Anfield.

Given his lack of game-time in a Cherries shirt so far, as well as an injury setback, other players appeared ahead of the former Bristol City man in the pecking order.

But an impressive cameo display on the opening day against West Ham United jumped the 23-year-old up the list enough for boss Andoni Iraola to plump for him from the off against Liverpool.

It was just Semenyo’s third start for the club, the last coming way back in March in the heartbreaking 3-2 loss at Arsenal.

And the Ghana international instantly repaid that faith shown by Iraola at Anfield, smashing in a third-minute opener.

Cherries would ultimately go on to lose 3-1, but for Semenyo, it has certainly put him back in everybody’s thoughts again as he looks to kick on following his £9million move to the club in January.

Asked when he found out he would be starting against Liverpool, Semenyo told the Daily Echo: “I found out on Saturday morning.

“But you’ve always got to be ready, if you’re on the bench or starting.

“So I was happy to get the start, happy to get the goal. But the result is what we wanted.

“It’s been tough the last couple of months with the shin injury.

“But I just had to be strong mentally and physically and get myself ready to the beast I am!

“I’ve done well enough to get a start, so I just need to keep going and keep building myself.”

Bournemouth Echo: Semenyo underwent surgery on a shin injurySemenyo underwent surgery on a shin injury (Image: Richard Crease)

Semenyo, who came through the ranks at Bristol City, spent time out on loan to gain experience. He had a spell in non-league with Bath City, before joining League Two Newport County at the start of the 2018-19 campaign.

Almost five years to the day from scoring at Anfield, Semenyo was an unused substitute for a fourth-tier contest against Notts County.

“It’s almost like a dream come true,” Semenyo said, reflecting on the journey to becoming a scorer at one of the world’s iconic grounds.

“But I’ve been working for this and I just need to keep working.

“Hopefully I can get many more goals in other stadiums.

“I’m happy with myself and happy with how I felt I’ve got on so far.”

Asked what was going through his mind when the ball popped to him in the box, Semenyo said: “Just hit it!

“It was natural instinct to hit it as hard as I can and put it in the corner.

“I’m obviously happy with the goal, but I would rather the result than the goal really.”

After the ball rippled the net, Semenyo peeled off towards the corner flag and celebrated with an impressive backflip.

“It was just off the cuff really,” he explained.

“I didn’t really know what to do, to be fair.

“I just saw the space and I was like you know what, let me just do it. I haven’t done it in a while, so it was nice little touch.”

Semenyo missed the closing stages of the 2022-23 season. With survival secured, the forward underwent surgery on a troublesome shin injury.

He explains: “It happened quite a while ago, to be fair.

“I thought it would be alright and it just kept on aggravating me.

“So we just had to take the safety route, get some surgery and make sure it’s alright.

“I think I made the right decision anyway. I would have been playing in pain, so I’m happy I made that decision.”

Asked if he is now feeling better than ever, Semenyo insisted: “Yes, a lot better. I feel 100 per cent again.

“Obviously you just need to get that match fitness back and just keep building.”

Semenyo will hope to keep his place for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur to Vitality Stadium on Saturday (12.30pm).