JACK Simpson insisted he was ready for the physicality of the Premier League after cutting his teeth at the school of hard knocks.

Three years ago as an 18-year-old, the Cherries defender spent three months on loan at Totton in Southern League South & West.

He proved a big hit at Testwood Stadium and scored in a clash with Bridgwater Town. But an ankle ligament injury meant the youngster returned to Cherries in November 2015.

Little more than two years later, he featured eight steps higher up the pyramid when making his Premier League debut, playing 72 minutes for Eddie Howe’s men at Manchester City.

And Weymouth-raised Simpson remains thankful for his time in football’s lower reaches.

He said: “That loan was brilliant in terms of physically getting used to being kicked around by older people. I always used to play out with the ball, so I used to get smashed a lot!

“I was skinnier back then and probably needed it. There was one game, I can’t remember who we played, but we drew 2-2. Me and the striker were at each other for the whole game. How we didn’t both get sent off, I’m not sure!

“That was probably the best game in terms of a learning experience of how to keep my head in difficult situations and learning the tricks strikers use to try to get the edge on you.

“When I first went there, I didn’t really know what to expect. I had never been on loan and didn’t know much about the club but it was massive for me in terms of what I learned about decision-making in game situations.

“Even though it’s not the same level, you still get put in similar situations and have to be clinical, especially in the defensive half.”

Simpson last month featured in a Cherries side which cost £72million during a 3-0 victory Carabao Cup second-round victory over MK Dons.

Despite big-money signings surrounding him each day in training, the homegrown talent insisted he would be going all out to force his way into boss Howe’s thoughts.

“There is no price tag on me but when you say it like that, it’s kind of mad,” said Simpson.

“To think where we were and where we are now is exciting to see – there are no limitations for this club.

“I still have a long way to go. I would like to be one of the best players the club has produced but I have a lot to prove.

“To push myself into the starting XI is the aim for every player and that is what I have to do.

“The lads have been playing well so it doesn’t make it easy but I will be there trying to push and, hopefully, it makes healthy competition.”