JOSH McQuoid admitted his inclusion in the Cherries starting line-up against Ipswich had been “a nice surprise”.

McQuoid, who had been ruled out since sustaining a knee injury in pre-season, earned a recall for yesterday’s 1-1 draw at Dean Court.

He said: “I knew there were injuries and suspensions so was delighted to see my name on the board. It was a good result but I thought we were unlucky not to win.

“On a personal note, I thought I did okay in the first half but was a little leggy in the second. Fitness will come with more training sessions and games.

“I am not going to get ahead of myself because we have some good players to come back.

"We have a big squad so I have got to keep working hard in training, keep proving myself and keep myself in the manager’s thoughts.”

Boss Eddie Howe said: “It has been a difficult spell for Josh. He picked up an injury in pre-season and that is the worst time. It took a long time to get him back fit.

"We felt today was the right time to bring him back. It is a role he has played before and I thought he got better as the game went on.”