BOSS Eddie Howe saw Cherries enjoy the better of their 1-1 draw with Ipswich and then praised his players for their staying power.

Howe said: “We were really pleased with the performance. It was a very high level, just like the Birmingham and Yeovil games. I couldn’t fault the players in any way.

“I felt we deserved three points and was disappointed we couldn’t force a second goal but full credit must go to Ipswich for how they defended during the last period of the game.

“They started the game really well and you could see they were a team in really good form. We had to withstand that pressure and grow into the game, which we did.

“We had some great chances in the first half which we didn’t take. We were slightly frustrated because, at this level and with the high standard of football, you need to try to take your opportunities when they come.

“Thankfully, we stuck with it and, at 1-0 down, we didn’t let our heads drop and scored a good and deserved goal. I was just disappointed we didn’t come away with three points.”

Howe also had words of praise for substitutes Brett Pitman and Marc Pugh after the pair had come off the bench to help Cherries claim a deserved share of the spoils.

“They are two very good players,” said Howe. “They were outstanding for us last season and have been very good in patches this season.

"The only reason they are not starting at the moment is because of the strength of the squad and we are going to need that to continue to pick up positive results.

“It pleased me no end that two subs came on and made an impact. Hopefully, it will give a lift to everybody who is out of the squad to know that they are very important to us.”

Howe confirmed striker Tokelo Rantie had been ruled out due to a stomach problem, while midfielder Shaun MacDonald failed a late fitness test after taking a knock against Yeovil.