LUIS Sinisterra is hoping AFC Bournemouth will challenge for European qualification in the upcoming Premier League season.

The Colombian was the only goal scorer in last week’s penultimate pre-season friendly against Rayo Vallecano and is optimistic for the season ahead.

“We want to make something special,” Sinisterra said. “Last season we were really close for European games, we want to try this season again.

“As an individual, I want to stay fit, stay available for the team always and try to score and assist a lot of goals.”

Despite the lofty ambitions, the forward acknowledged the difficulty of the task at hand.

“We have a difficult game against Girona next weekend and from there I think we have to be ready,” he said.

“The season is starting and from the first game we want to show our confidence, our work that we have done in the preseason and hopefully it’s going to be a good season for us.

“The Premier League is always demanding. Every opponent is going to be really difficult, so we have to take every game very seriously and try to start the season very well.”

(Image: Richard Crease)

The 25-year-old said it was good to be back at the Vitality Stadium once again as preparation for the new season continues.

On his goal and Daniel Jebbison’s role in the buildup, Sinisterra said: “One-on-one against the keeper, I think I made it well, [I’m] looking forward to the next game and very happy for the victory.

“He [Jebbison] did really well, he fought for the ball, I continued with the action and luckily, I finished really well to take the lead.”

Sinisterra said the new signings had settled in well, adding: “Hopefully we are going to start better [than last season].

“Of course, now the team has the style of the coach, what he really wants, I think we have it in our DNA.”

(Image: Richard Crease)

The Colombian international was back on the south coast after the Copa America, where his country fell to a 1-0 defeat in the final against Argentina.

Reflecting on the tournament and his condition after the summer, he said: “I feel very good, it was a really good experience to be in the final, unlucky we didn’t win but we are looking forward for the next games in the qualification for the world cup.

“Of course, looking forward to starting the Premier League season very well.

“I’m feeling good, I’m feeling stronger every day. Of course, we need to keep working, keep improving, but I think the future is good.”