Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is convinced Nathan Ake has a huge future with the Holland national team.

Ake has helped the Dorset club to back-to-back clean sheets in wins over Newcastle and Huddersfield.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “I think when you look at Nathan's international career it is a huge thing for him.

“It should not be underestimated to be a full Dutch international, albeit in a different position.

“That shows his versatility and he has had that his whole career.

“It is a tremendous achievement for someone so young and I only see great things for him in the future.

“I would like to think they would re-build around players like Nathan with the youth and quality he has.

“It should be an exciting time for him. He has to make sure he does very well for us and that will only enhance his future prospects but, at the moment, I have to say he is playing very well."

Meanwhile, Howe admits they must be careful with Jermain Defoe's calf injury.

Commenting on Defoe, the manager said: “He has had various niggles this season, which has been a real shame for him because he wants to train regularly and you need to do that to be at your very best physically.

“He has had a couple of niggles, one with his hamstring and one with his calf.

“He hasn't had a tear of a muscle, they have just been slight problems and this is a really miniscule problem with his calf.

“But it is one we have to tread very carefully with, otherwise it could end up being a bigger problem.

“I think he will be back very soon and hopefully back to his best."