CHERRIES midfielder Lewis Cook “enjoyed” the “different” experience of playing at centre-half against Queens Park Rangers.

With Cherries trailing 2-0 at the break to Championship side QPR in the third round of the FA Cup, head coach Andoni Iraola opted to make changes which included hauling off defender Chris Mepham and dropping Cook into the backline.

An improved second-half performance followed, with goals from Marcus Tavernier, Kieffer Moore, and Justin Kluivert completing the comeback to advance to the fourth round.

Cook can often be seen stepping back to form a three-man defence when Cherries are in possession, or dropping to cover the space left behind by a marauding full-back.

But playing as an out-and-out defender was a new experience, and one the former Leeds United midfielder appreciated.

He told the Daily Echo: “I enjoyed the role, centre-half and Marcos (Senesi) was great with me helping me and being a good partner.

“It was something I enjoyed, obviously something different.

“It doesn't always happen in football. when you've been playing the same position for so long, when you go somewhere else, it's kind of new.

“I've dropped in a few times when I'm playing the six into the middle, onto the sides, but never like that.

“I definitely don't have it down. I think there's a lot of things to improve for me.

“I've been trying to work on the defensive side of my game this year and I think (against QPR) obviously making blocks and clearances and things was a good addition.

“So it's a lot different. You're against some big, big strikers and probably not gonna win all the duels and headers, but just trying to be clever.

“Tommy (Elphick) helped me a little bit before I went out, and it was a big help.”

Victory prolongs Cherries’ FA Cup campaign to the fourth round stage, where they have been given home advantage against Swansea at the end of the month.

After reaching the fourth round of the Carabao Cup, winning two games in the process, Cook stated that Cherries are keen to go as far as possible in the competition.

“I think we'd love to,” Cook replied when asked about a potential cup run for Cherries.

“We’re in the competition, there's always a chance for silverware, so we're going to try and take each game as it comes and just try and put the best version of us and go as far as we can.”