EDDIE Howe said there had been “absolutely no intent” behind skipper Simon Francis’s clash with Wayne Rooney at Everton.

Francis caught the former England captain with his arm while competing for a header in the 35th minute of Cherries' 2-1 defeat at Goodison Park.

Rooney vented his anger towards referee Martin Atkinson and was eventually substituted in place of two-goal striker Oumar Niasse 10 minutes into the second half.

Asked if he was fearful his side may have been reduced to 10 men following the collision, Howe replied: “No, I wasn’t.

“Simon had his eyes on the ball and, when you jump like that, there is always leverage needed.

“His arms were obviously high and he caught Wayne but there was absolutely no intent to injure the player. I can say that for certain with Simon.”

Giving his take on the incident, Blues manager Ronald Koeman said: “I think it was his arm and it was not really with intention but Rooney’s eye was totally cut open.

“The doctors said to me at half-time, if something happened again, then we needed to change him.

“I changed him because we needed something different after going 1-0 behind.”