AFC Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe suggests his regular starting line-up will not be challenged by his fringe players.

The Cherries lost 3-2 to Preston North End in the EFL Cup third round on Tuesday night and Dan Gosling aside, Howe felt those given an opportunity may not have grasped it with both hands.

"They're two different sets of players but we're one club," he told BBC Radio Solent.

"The performances need to echo consistency, week-in-week-out regardless of who they are.

"A win would have been getting away with it. In the second half we were a lot better but we couldn't hold on and they deserved to win.

"I don't think, Dan Gosling apart, that I will have selection issues. He kept going, led by example.

"I believe in the players but that didn't show."