Callum Wilson: Bournemouth can go the distance in promotion race

Bournemouth striker Callum Wilson says his team-mates are determined to "go the distance" and secure promotion to the top flight for the first time in the club's history.

Wilson has scored 12 goals in the Championship since signing from Coventry in the summer, helping the Cherries to the top of the table.

"It's fantastic, it's what we expected and more," Wilson told BBC South Today.

"Now it's about maintaining it and going the distance."

Bournemouth, who are level with Derby on points at the summit of the table, are in uncharted territory, with last season's 10th place in the Championship the highest league finish in the club's history.

But a recent stumble, with two defeats in their last three league games, has inevitably raised fears that the Cherries may not be able to sustain their promotion push.

"The club's never been in this position before, I've never been in this position before," added the 22-year-old.

"A season is a long-term thing. There's no point doing it for half a season and then falling away."

Wilson made his debut for England Under-21s against France in November

With 15 goals in total since arriving at Dean Court, Wilson has taken the step up in his stride and has gone on to make his debut for England Under-21s earlier this season.

"I'm thankful I made the decision to come here and we're in the position to go for promotion," he said.

"What a turnaround it would be to come from League One to the Premier League in the space of a season.

"It's a team game and I don't want to put too much pressure on myself. But if I can achieve my targets, then that can help us get promotion. There's no reason we can't make it."

Wilson visited Glenmoor and Winton Academies in Bournemouth on Tuesday as part of his role as an ambassador for anti-discrimination initiative Kick It Out.

"As a professional athlete you are a role model, so you have to raise awareness and help younger people in society understand right and wrong," he added.