BOSS Eddie Howe praised Cherries’ cutting edge after the Dean Court side eased past Cardiff in the League Cup third round.

Howe made seven changes from Saturday’s draw at Watford and his much-changed team took apart the hapless Bluebirds in the first half.

A brace from the returning Dan Gosling and a further goal from Charlie Daniels put the visitors 3-0 up inside 33 minutes, an advantage which they held until the final whistle.

And Howe was delighted that his troops had delivered in the final third and secured the club a passage into the fourth round for the first time in 51 years.

He told the Daily Echo: “With the number of changes we made, to play in the same manner that we have this season was right out of the top drawer.

“We have performed that way in the league but not been ruthless enough to get a second or third goal.

“We were clinical when we got our chances and I think that was the difference, apart from the last spell of the game when we should have made it 4-0.

“The quality of our football was great and the players were excellent. We beat a very good side comprehensively and that will give us a real confidence boost.

“I felt that the players that had an opportunity took it really well. If anyone doubted the strength of our squad, I think we answered that tonight.”

Howe also revealed his delight at the defensive effort which handed Cherries a third clean sheet in as many League Cup ties this term.

He continued: “I thought we were equally as good without the ball and we made it very difficult for them to play through us in midfield.

“We restricted them to a few chances and when our goalkeeper (Artur Boruc) was called upon, he made a couple of great saves at key times.

“We got a clean sheet and won the game in the manner that I wanted.”

Howe hailed the performances of returning midfield duo Gosling and Shaun MacDonald, the latter of which made only his second appearance of the season.

On Gosling, who has netted in every round of the League Cup in 2014-15, Howe said: “Dan scored two very well-taken goals.

"He’s got a habit of arriving late in the box and getting chances, and I’m really pleased he was able to take another two today.

“He has been out injured for a week and it was great to see him back.

“Shaun hadn’t trained for three weeks prior to yesterday but gave a great performance in midfield.

“To come in and play like he did was a reflection on his attitude and his dedication."

Howe also confirmed that Steve Cook had sustained a tight groin in the warm-up.

The centre-half, who had been set to captain the side, was replaced by regular skipper Tommy Elphick.