By Mark Mitchener

The boys have played magnificently Gareth Stewart

Bournemouth keeper Gareth Stewart has praised his team-mates after conceding just one goal in their last four games.

"I've not had a lot to do, which is a testament to how well the defence are playing," Stewart, 25, told BBC Sport.

"The boys have played magnificently, especially with the way the side's been thrown together because of injuries.

"Everyone has to take credit, both the management and the players, but if we can pick up one or two wins, I think we can go on a good run."

Stewart, who moved to Dean Court from Blackburn in 1999, is currently enjoying his best run in the side since 2002.

Since then, his opportunities have been limited by injury - and the form and fitness of Neil Moss.

Keeper Moss facing two months out

But with Moss now facing two months on the sidelines, Preston-born Stewart is determined to take his chance.

He has conceded just one goal in six-and-a-half hours of football since replacing Moss - even with six senior defenders also injured - and saved a penalty in the Carling Cup shoot-out at Torquay.

"Coming back in wasn't difficult, as it's what you want to do, although it's never going to be easy following Neil, who's been magnificent," he said.

"He's set a standard, and I like to think I can keep that standard up.

"But it'll be good when Neil's back as we can bounce off each other."

In front of Stewart, veteran right-back Neil Young has played a vital role in central defence as Sean O'Driscoll's side were held to goalless draws by Walsall and Tranmere.

Shaun Cooper has formed part of a youthful Cherries defence

Meanwhile, youngsters Josh Gowling, James O'Connor, Shaun Cooper and Callum Hart have belied their relative inexperience of first-team action before this season.

"Before the Torquay game, we just said to each other that we'd have to keep it tight at the back, and I think it's spread through the team," Stewart explained.

"We just need a lucky break to get that goal - we got two at Bradford, we just need one or two in other games now.

"The players are as disappointed as anyone else that we haven't won from a good performance like we had against Tranmere.

"We've played four or five games, up and down the country, in 12 or 13 days against some strong teams - but the mood's good because we've not been losing.

"It's disappointing that we're not winning, although there's a fine line between winning and losing for any team.