EDDIE Howe said his decision to substitute Lewis Cook against Everton had been no reflection of the midfielder’s performance.

Cook was replaced by Harry Arter 12 minutes from time, with some supporters feeling the need to boo after the change had been made.

Howe said: “I will always make what I think is the right decision for the team at any given moment.

“Sometimes, it is difficult for people to understand certain things you do but, when you are in my shoes, you always have to think of the team and that is what I did on that occasion.

“I was happy with how Lewis had been playing but you have to look at the player you are bringing on. You have to consider Harry Arter’s qualities and what he has done for this football club.

“I would have had no hesitation in bringing anyone off the bench and felt we needed Harry’s energy and legs at that stage of the game.

“Just because you take off a player doesn’t mean you are critical of their performance in any way, shape or form.

“It is more about the player you are bringing on and the impact that you want him to bring to the game, not a criticism of the player you take off.”

Cook revealed he had not listened to the unrest when he had been replaced.

He said: “I didn’t really pay attention. If the fans want me to play, that’s great. But if I have to come off because the manager needs to change things then that’s fine.

“We do what we have in order to get three points.

“The manager didn’t need to say to me why I came off. I guess he needed to freshen it up and it worked, we got the win and that was the main thing.”

Reflecting on the performance, Cook added: “The lads showed good character and perseverance to respond to the equaliser and get three points.

“When you get a late goal to win a game, it really gives you a boost for the next few fixtures.”

Meanwhile, Cherries are sweating on the fitness of striker Joshua King who succumbed to a hamstring injury towards the end of the first half.

King, who has been troubled by the problem since pre-season, was replaced by Benik Afobe in the 39th minute.

"You always worry about any player who has problems that don’t seem to go away," said Howe.

"He felt discomfort in his hamstring and feels he may have pulled it. That is concerning for us so we will wait and see what we do.

"It was a huge blow to lose him because he had been playing very well."

Adam Smith and Nathan Ake will be assessed ahead of today's clash at Brighton, as will Andrew Surman.