MANAGER Eddie Howe hailed the performance of Cherries goalkeeper Adam Federici before confirming Artur Boruc remains sidelined by injury.

Australia international Federici played the full 90 minutes against Nantes on Saturday and caught the eye with a pair of one-on-one saves in a 0-0 draw.

The 30-year-old stopper, signed on a free from Reading this summer, did his chances of claiming the number one jersey no harm by denying Birama Toure and Johan Audel from close quarters.

Boruc featured in the first 45 minutes in Cherries’ opening pre-season friendly against Philadelphia Union but did not line up against Exeter nine days ago due to a short-term shoulder setback.

Howe reaffirmed his hope that Boruc’s complaint was “nothing too serious or long term” as well as lauding Federici’s efforts in St Nazaire.

Howe told the club website: “Adam was outstanding. He had two one-on-one saves to make and came out on top in both by cutting down the angles and spread himself really well so we were delighted for him.

“Not only that, his kicking was very good and his distribution was excellent and he was a real presence behind the back four.”

But Howe did have a more positive prognosis on Harry Arter – a week after expressing his fear the midfielder could miss the start of the campaign.

“Harry is coming along well. He has been pleased with how his injury has responded. He is running on a treadmill at the minute and we hope to move him forward quite quickly next week.,” said Howe.

Assessing the action in France, Howe continued: “It was a good performance. I thought Nantes did well first half and put us under pressure but we defended very well and Feds made a couple of key saves.

“I thought we turned it round after half-time and were the better side. I was much happier with the second-half-performances.

“I felt we needed to be better on and off the ball. We were guilty of giving them chances by giving away the ball in our own half, we needed to be a little more aggressive with our pressing and not end up sinking too deep.

“I thought most of the players came through well, one or two had cramp towards the end but that was to be expected.

“There were a few tired bodies but I think you expect that. The main thing is we have no injuries on the surface of it and physically, we looked stronger as the game went on which is a good sign.

“I am pleased with the squad as it stands. We have another XI to play to see how they look but this group did well, although we can still get better in every aspect.”