Monday 24 October 2016 05:31, UK
Jack Wilshere believes moving to Bournemouth and getting out of his comfort zone has given him the reality check he needs to get his career back on track.
Wilshere, on loan from Arsenal, played his first 90 minutes since September 2014 on Saturday as the Cherries held Tottenham to a 0-0 draw at the Vitality Stadium.
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has introduced Wilshere gradually into his set-up since signing the 24-year-old on a temporary move from Arsene Wenger's side in the summer, as the England international attempts to put together a regular run of games.
"Sometimes when you're at a top club and you've been at a top club your whole career and you're playing week in week out, it is easy to get into that comfort zone," said Wilshere.
"That is something coaches and managers drum into you and for me to come down here and taste a different side of the Premier League where you have to fight for everything, fight for every point and work as a team, it is definitely out of my comfort zone.
"But the lads and manager have been great for me and I'm looking forward to the season."
Wenger has made it clear he still sees a long-term future for Wilshere at the Emirates but he played only three games for the Gunners last season after suffering a hairline fracture early in the campaign.
Wilshere showed glimpses of his talent against Spurs but he struggled to make an impression in the final third of the pitch, although he insists regaining match fitness remains his key motivating factor.
"It's a long time not to play 90 minutes and when you play game by game you start to get your confidence back and try more things," he added.
"I feel like I'm getting my first five yards of power back and when I have that I can do more things with the ball. I'm not saying I am there yet but I'm feeling better and better."
As for the possibility of a return to international duty, Wilshere says he has not yet spoken to interim manager Gareth Southgate and insists he is focused on impressing for Bournemouth.
"No I'm not really thinking about England," Wilshere said.
"I think I have got to concentrate on myself, playing here, playing 90 minutes and getting back to my best and then I can start thinking about that."
