REJUVENATED wing wizard Wade Elliott admits he is relishing the responsibility of helping Cherries pull away from the Division Two drop zone.

Elliott, who has struggled to recapture last season's player-of-the-year award-winning form in recent months, appeared back to his best during Cherries' 1-1 draw with Brighton on Tuesday.

Cherries boss Sean O'Driscoll admitted after the game the 23-year-old midfielder had not been firing on all cylinders recently.

But he said Elliott's sponsors' man-of-the-match performance against the Seagulls had given everyone a lift and an in-form Wade Elliott could play a major role in Cherries beating the drop.

The former Bashley man believes he is ready for the challenge as Cherries take on fellow strugglers Peterborough United at Dean Court today (3pm).

Elliott said: "Sean saying I could play a vital role in getting us out of relegation gives me a lift. I think it did on Tuesday.

"Obviously it is a lot better feeling taking on that responsibility and dragging us away from relegation than it would to be on the sidelines watching and wishing I could help.

"It is definitely a challenge to thrive on and rise to."

The former England schoolboy said he was relieved to be coming back to form at the right time to help Cherries.

He added: "These last few months have been frustrating more than anything. Until the Oldham game on January 26, I've not been delighted but I've been quite pleased with my performances, I thought I was doing okay.

"But I always had the feeling there was more to come and I was playing a little bit within myself for whatever reason.

"The harder you keep trying the more frustrated you get sometimes.

"And it was Sean and Peter Grant's point of view that I took a step back and had a look at things and when I came back I would have a spring in my step.

"Looking at my performances from when the season started, there probably was a little bit of a dip.

"The worst thing for me when I was out was that you start to feel a bit redundant. You get increasingly frustrated and you want to get out and help the lads that are out there.

"But it was ridiculous how much support I got. Everyone from the lads right through to the club chaplain were telling me not to let my head down and they were sure I would come back.

"I never doubted myself because I always believe I am good enough to play and do well for the club so I just tried to put it down to a temporary dip."