Bournemouth midfielder Joe Rothwell says the players are happy Gary O'Neil has been made permanent manager.

Signed by Scott Parker in the summer, the former Blackburn star was handed his Premier League debut by O'Neil in October after recovering from a quad injury.

The former Portsmouth star has since been made permanent head coach by the Dorset outfit, following a run of 12 games in interim charge.

Speaking about the job done by O'Neil before the World Cup break, Rothwell said: “Brilliant. He's come in and I think it's shown on the pitch. I think some of the results have gone against us in previous games.

“But it shows the lads are all together, all behind the manager and the staff.

“He was probably different midfielder to me but anyone who has played in the Premier League, it's invaluable to try to get little notes here and there off him.

“He is always there and available, ready to talk."