Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is backing star defender Nathan Ake to become club captain one day.

Ake has been a relevation since signing from Chelsea a few years ago.

He was skipper for their game against Crystal Palace, as Simon Francis, Steve Cook and Andrew Surman were all absent from the starting lineup.

And Howe thinks that Ake could be permanent captain in the future.

He told the Daily Echo: "I thought he did really well.

"Nath, for me, it's a natural progression in his career.

"He is a leader. He leads by how he conducts himself, how he trains, his professionalism. All the players respect him immensely.

"I was really pleased and honoured to give him the armband."

Quizzed on if he sees the 24-year-old as a future club captain at Cherries, Howe added: "Without a doubt. He's got those qualities.

"We need 11 leaders on the pitch. I know that's a bit of a cliché but it's so true, especially in a moment when you are not playing particularly well.

"That's when you need everyone to step up and give an extra five per cent.

"I thought Nath played well again on Tuesday, he's a model of consistency. We need other players to join him."