Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe is full of praise for Andrew Surman.

This season, Surman has been forced to settle for a place on the bench this campaign with Jefferson Lerma, Philip Billing and Lewis Cook commanding the starting central midfield berths in the Premier League.

“I think if you asked any player who is not playing as regularly as they would want to, it is mentally a challenge," Howe told the Daily Echo.

“I think if you get that mental challenge right, if you understand the situation and concentrate then on your training performances and how you conduct yourself around the pitch and wait for your opportunity, then when it comes you'll be in a position to take it.

“I think Andrew has been exemplary in that respect. He's been a really good role model for everyone else to look at and how you handle yourself when you're not in the team."