Bournemouth winger Marc Pugh has revealed that manager Eddie Howe called in a psychologist to help his players get ready for the Premier League.

Most players of the current Bournemouth squad have never played at this level before and Howe felt it would be beneficial to seek specialist advice as the top flight campaign edges closer.

Pugh, the Cherries longest-serving player, said: "We have to be in a positive frame of mind. The gaffer has installed that in us and we have psychology sessions on positive thinking and belief."

"It's crazy. Lots of people who have started off at this level have had it handed to them on a plate. They have been given their chance. Us nobodies have had to work our way up the ladder."