Andrew Surman believes that Bournemouth's performance in Wednesday's defeat at Liverpool shows that they are ready to end their bad run - particularly after the return of Harry Arter.
Arter made his first appearance of this season when playing the opening 71 minutes of the 1-0 loss at Anfield in the Capital One Cup.
And with Bournemouth improving, despite consecutive 5-1 defeats by Tottenham and Manchester City which leaves them six fixtures without a win in normal time, Surman is confident there is again more to come.
On Sunday they travel to South Coast rivals Southampton, still undermined by injuries to captain Tommy Elphick, Tyrone Mings, Callum Wilson, Max Gradel and potentially Artur Boruc, but Arter's presence and Wednesday's performance is again making Surman believe.
"We recovered (from losing 5-1 to Tottenham) pretty quick and I think you could see that on Wednesday," said Surman, a former Southampton player who comes from a family of Saints fans.
"Against Liverpool we played well and probably came away (thinking we) could have won that game.
"We've got to take the positives from that. A lot of players came in who hadn't played this season and obviously did really well.
"We've got to take confidence from that. With the injuries we've had it's good to know that the players coming in from the fringes are doing well.
"It was really good, really positive. First half especially we started really well, we were again unlucky to find ourselves 1-0 down. We created some really good chances.
"The second half we got a little bit tired and trying to chase the game is always difficult, especially at Anfield, but I think we played really well.
"You want good players playing and fit. (Arter) had a great season last season. I really enjoyed playing with him and whoever does in the next few games, he'll be a great asset to have back, like a new signing.
"We were all gutted for him missing the start of the season but he's worked really had to get fit and it's great to have him back in the squad."
Out-of-form goalkeeper Boruc, also formerly of Southampton, is nursing a thigh problem and may miss out on Sunday. Should he do so, Adam Federici, who started against Liverpool, will continue to deputise.
Source: PA
