DETERMINED Tyrone Mings admits he feels “a huge urgency to prove myself” as he bids to kick-start his Cherries career.

Since his £8million arrival from Ipswich three years ago, Mings has been plagued by injury and has made just 17 appearances for the club.

He spent more than 12 months on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury six minutes into his Premier League debut against Leicester, Cherries' opponents on Saturday.

And the former Chippenham star sustained a stress fracture to his spine in the early stages of last season, resulting in a further eight months on the sidelines.

Put to him that few Premier League players would be hungrier to impress this season, Mings told the Daily Echo: “I think you could say that about my whole career. I came from non-league and wanted to prove myself in the Championship and then came here.

“I've always wanted to prove myself but none more so than now, because of everything which has been thrown at me. There’s a huge urgency to prove myself and show people what I can do.

“I feel as if I’ve said it’s a big season for me for the past three seasons.

“Every season which ticks on, I’m not playing as much as I would like and it’s more frustrating than I can put into words.

“I’m a footballer and I just want to play. That’s my job and my passion. To be unable to show what I can do is the most frustrating thing.

“But I’m in a good place now. I feel fit and strong.”

Mings, who was linked with a move to Nottingham Forest in the summer, went to the Qatari capital of Doha to aid his recovery from his back injury.

He had previously jetted to Philadelphia to seek expert advice on his knee problem.

“Qatar, Philadelphia – you name it, I’ve been there!” said Mings.

“Not in the way I would wish but it says a great deal about the club that they seek out the best people in the world to handle these situations.

“I’ve certainly learned a lot about medical stuff, my physiology and how to look after my body. Every cloud, as they say.”

Mings arrived at Vitality Stadium as a left-back but has been converted into a centre-half by boss Eddie Howe.

The 25-year-old faces competition for a starting spot from the likes of Dutch international Nathan Ake, Steve Cook and Simon Francis, while summer signing Diego Rico can also play at the heart of defence.

Mings said: “It’s a team in which you have to earn every start and appearance. I think that’s a credit to the lads here and how hard they push each other.

“Nobody gets in unless they work hard, nobody gets in unless they learn the system and nobody gets in without deserving it.

“Credit to everyone who has played so far but I am looking to force my way into the manager’s plans and we will see what happens.”