STEVE Cook has revealed how he is steadily getting to grips with the rigours of Premier League football – by harnessing the power of psychology.

The Cherries defender has experienced mixed fortunes in his maiden top-flight campaign with arguably the greatest contrast arriving in his past two outings.

Cook was substituted at half-time when Cherries drew 3-3 with Everton before playing a key role in last Saturday’s 1-0 win at champions Chelsea.

But on the back of intense work on his pre-match mindset, the 24-year-old reckons he is ready to dispel any lingering doubts and make his mark under English football’s brightest spotlight.

Cook told the Daily Echo: “I have been working on a lot of things off the pitch, more the way I think rather than how I conduct myself.

“I have focused on thinking more positively and going into games with greater confidence and it paid dividends at Chelsea.

“Hopefully, I can produce the same sort of performance on a more consistent basis now because what I have been doing off the pitch feels like it is really paying off.

“In some ways, it has been a case of changing my mind. I think I have the ability to play at this level, it is just believing it and putting that into action. I am my own biggest critic and maybe I am too hard on myself and over think things sometimes.

“I wouldn’t say the league or the level changes that but if you take things too personally, it is not going to help so I have worked on letting my football do the talking.

“The club is very big on making sure we all get the right support off the pitch and it does make a difference.

“It is not just about one person believing, the whole team needs to. Chelsea is only one game so we can’t be complacent, there is a lot of work to do but we all believe we can kick on and get a bit of a run going.”

There will be no greater test of Cook’s credentials than when Manchester United visit Dorset in today’s late kick-off (5.30pm).

Louis van Gaal’s men are still smarting from their midweek Champions League exit but while United’s approach under the Dutch boss has been questioned, Cook is under no illusions about the task facing Cherries.

“One look at the table says a lot, they’re still up there” he added.

“They have been getting a lot of criticism because they’re different to the Manchester United of old but they’re still in the mix and don’t lose many games.

“Defensively, they’re well drilled with the best record in the league and a £30million-plus striker up top. It would be easy for people to say ‘they’re not doing well’ but that’s not reflected in their league position.

“It will be a very similar test to Chelsea because you are up against players that can create something out of nothing but you never know what is going to happen on the day.

“It is a massive game for us and one we feel is definitely winnable, although we realise we have to be mindful of their star players.”