Asmir Begovic has been playing through the pain barrier to help his Bournemouth side stay in the Premier League.

The Bosnian has started all 31 Premier League games for the south coast club since arriving from Chelsea for £10m in the summer.

His experience and five clean sheets have been vital to Bournemouth avoiding the relegation zone, and Cherries boss Eddie Howe has revealed how physically enduring the season has been for the 30-year-old.

Howe told the Daily Echo: "Asmir has been carrying a long-standing problem with his knee and has been playing through it.

"When he first did it, we thought it was maybe a serious problem but, thankfully, he had a period where he had a bit of rest and was then able to keep playing.

"I don't think he has been 100 per cent fit in games and his will has got him through.

"Coming away with us will be a good chance for him to get some rest.

"It has been very important to try to keep him fit because he is a big player for us.

"He is in his first season here and wants to stay in the team and keep playing.

"He has been prepared to put his body through a bit of pain to get there but this rest will do him the world of good."