CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe hinted that Junior Stanislas would not be in line for an immediate return having limped off in today’s 0-0 draw at Watford.

The ex-West Ham winger pulled up with just 23 minutes on the clock at Vicarage Road and did not re-enter the pitch, being replaced by the returning Max Gradel.

On Stanislas, Howe said: “It appears to be a hamstring which is a real blow for us. Junior has been outstanding for us this season, a real creative force and it came out of nothing.

“He had said he felt really good in the build-up to the game. It was just one of those things so we will have to get it scanned to see how long he will be out.”

Gradel had a positive impact on proceedings and had the visitors’ best chances in the second half but despite not quite finding the finishing touch, Howe was pleased with his display.

“I thought he did really well and was a key part in our performance,” he added.

“He is that type of player, things happen around him and he got in some really good positions.

“It would have been a magnificent comeback if he had got the goal but just having him round the squad has given us a real lift.”

On the match, Howe said: “I think any point away from home is a good one but we are disappointed on reflection. We were the dominant team, especially in the second half. 

“We had the best chances and their goalkeeper has had another great game against us so yes, we were happy with a point but I think it could have been more.

“We did fear we would struggle to beat him (Heurelho Gomes), especially in the second half.

“The pleasing thing from our perspective was that we created those chances in the second half. In the first, we played some really nice football but didn’t really hurt them or threaten their goal.

“I would bank on us if we had those chances again to be a bit more clinical.”