CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe has welcomed increased competition for places following the arrival of Yann Kermorgant.

The Frenchman, a £400,000 signing from Charlton, joins in the striking department Lewis Grabban, Tokelo Rantie, Brett Pitman and Josh McQuoid.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “I think our frontline is very strong. It will take a bit of time to get the best out of every one of them because Yann is new and TK is relatively new.

“The other players need to know their strengths and all the little things that take time. Partnerships and understanding take time to build.

“I am looking forward to seeing the frontline develop. We have real competition for places in that area and you could play any two together or any one as a lone striker.

“It is a really good position to be in and you know that if the team is not performing in a game, you can change it from the bench. I am excited by all five.

“You aren’t going to have a regular one or two. As a team and a club, we need to get to a stage where we rotate players. You don’t have a set 11 every week because it is such a demanding season.

“We have seen with the pitches in the past couple of games how draining it can be so I want to keep players fresh.

“I have seen players having to play through injury during my time here and it would be good to get to the stage where you could rotate the squad and not weaken it.

“I believe we are getting there, not just in the striking department but in a lot of positions.

“That is going to be really important for us if we want to be successful in the long term.”

Meanwhile, Howe said Cherries’ injury situation would determine whether he would add to his squad after the loan window had reopened tomorrow. He also said a couple of fringe players could go out.

Howe added: “There won’t be any incomings unless the injury situation dictates otherwise. In terms of players going out, maybe one or two will, depending on the situation.”