BOSS Eddie Howe believes Brett Pitman doesn’t get the credit he deserves for his work rate, insisting: If he didn’t graft, he wouldn’t play.

Pitman has firmly established himself as a key man in Cherries’ League One title bid by netting nine goals in 14 appearances since his return.

But despite watching him embark on that fine run, some supporters continue to question his application.

Howe, though, told the Daily Echo: “I have had chats with Brett, especially when he was younger, about certain signs that he gives off.

“But you can’t change a player’s body language and I think it can be very misleading when you talk about Brett.

“He does work extremely hard for the team. He doesn’t get the credit he deserves for the amount of work that he gets through.

“I think it is a key hallmark of our team. Whoever plays up front has to start the defending from the front. If Brett wasn’t doing it, he wouldn’t play.”

Pitman earned himself a place in Cherries folklore by firing 26 goals in their 2009-10 promotion from League Two during Howe’s first spell.

Howe, who played alongside some of Cherries’ top strikers in recent years, believes Pitman rates highly among the other leading lights.

“In pure finishing ability, he would be at the very top,” added Howe.

“If you had a chance in the box you wouldn’t want it to fall to anybody else.

“I still think there is a lot more to come from him. I still think there is a lot of improvement in him because of the lack of football he has had.

“Hopefully, we are going to see the best of Brett between now and the end of the season.”