EDDIE Howe believes it would be “foolish” for Cherries to adapt their free-flowing brand of football in an attempt to deal with pressure during a tense climax to the season.

Third-placed Cherries tomorrow host Championship rivals Middlesbrough on the back of a 1-1 draw at Cardiff where they were forced to settle for a point after dominating possession.

Harry Arter’s stunning strike saw Cherries take the lead in a clash of contrasting styles before the hosts’ direct approach paid off when they levelled through Bruno Manga following a corner.

Boss Howe told the Daily Echo: “I am very proud of the players and how they adapt the philosophy we give them. It can’t be forgotten that Cardiff were in the Premier League last season and are a very strong team.

“I thought we passed the ball very well and I don’t think it can be under-estimated how much bravery and mental strength it takes for your players to do that so full credit to our guys.

“It is so ingrained in the players now and we can’t play another way. We can’t play direct football, we can only play one style that suits the players we have.

“It would be foolish for us to deviate from that, even when the pressure really starts to come on. I think you really show your mental strength during the pressure moments.

“The games are getting bigger and bigger and Middlesbrough and Ipswich are two big games for us.

As the games tick down, your margin for error gets less and less.

“Although we were disappointed with the result at Cardiff, there were so many positives to come from it and it is just a case of reinforcing that to the players. Nothing was lost and we are still moving very much in the right direction.

“A lot of factors come into it at this stage of the season and luck is one of them. We didn’t get any of that at Cardiff.

“It is about holding your nerve and enjoying the pressure, if you can. It is very difficult at this stage of the season but I am certainly enjoying where we are and, hopefully, the players feel the same.”