Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Summer campaign leaves Eddie with a welcome headache
EDDIE Howe admitted an impressive pre-season campaign had left him with a difficult selection poser ahead of Cherries' League One opener at Charlton.[LNB] But the Cherries boss was quick to dismiss suggestions that his intended starters at the Valley had been given a watching brief at Dorchester on Saturday.[LNB] Howe made 11 changes for Cherries' final warm-up friendly with the team that had lined up against Portsmouth in midweek looking on from the Main Stand.[LNB] A mix of youth and experience saw some of the club's rising stars start alongside a number of first-teamers, with Jason Tindall and Gareth Stewart also on duty at the Avenue Stadium.[LNB] Asked by the Daily Echo whether supporters could read anything into his selection against the Magpies, Howe replied: It would be wrong to do that.[LNB] The boys in the stand played against Portsmouth on Wednesday so weren't going to play two games in four days. I have an idea of what the team may be but I have been in football long enough to know that things can change.[LNB] The lads put in a really good performance against Dorchester so will all be in the frame and it is going to be a difficult week for me to select a team.[LNB] Howe added: Everybody has impressed and it is going to be difficult to pick a side. But that's a pleasing thing from my point of view. Everyone will want to be in the team for Charlton and I will have to make some tough decisions. But it's a good position to be in.[LNB] It's a very long season so some may be disappointed for that game. But things can change very quickly and, as long as the lads are together as a group and with the same goal, hopefully, we will be okay.[LNB] Howe looks certain to take just one fit and recognised striker to the Valley with Brett Pitman expected to be his only option up front. While teenager Jayden Stockley could make the bench, Michael Symes, Steve Fletcher and Steve Lovell are all unlikely to be fit.[LNB] It is an area for concern, said Howe. But we are adjusting to it and I think the side is shaping up well so it's not a massive concern.[LNB] I think we have looked good in pre-season through most of the games so it's not a big issue at the moment.[LNB] Howe confirmed he would be unlikely to look to bolster his squad with the addition of a loan signing, unless the injury situation worsened.[LNB]
