EDDIE Howe has hailed Charlie Daniels as one of the best left-backs in the country – and says he has made the gigantic step from League One "look easy".

Daniels, a bargain £175,000 buy from Leyton Orient in January 2012, is tomorrow set to make his 200th appearance for Cherries when they host Stoke City (3pm).

The 30-year-old has been pivotal in Cherries' rapid rise from the depths of the third flight to the top half of the Premier League, playing all but nine games in the past three seasons.

Daniels, a product of Ridgeway Rovers, the renowned youth team made famous for discovering David Beckham and Spurs striker Harry Kane, has also chipped in with four goals this season and tops the club's assists table with eight.

Howe told the Daily Echo: "I think he has made an absolutely massive contribution.

"I really liked Charlie when we came back and started to work with the team, he stood out for me as one of the best players technically.

"His progression to what he is now has been incredible and that is all down to him.

"He is one of the best trainers we have. I never see him have a bad day in terms of his mentality, preparation and how he conducts himself in training.

"He always wants to be the best he can and I think that is the key reason behind his elevation to what he is now – in my opinion, one of the best left-backs in the Premier League.

"He has made the jump through the levels and made it look quite easy but that doesn't do justice to the work he has put in behind the scenes.

"He is very serious about his work and is very much a football man. He loves his football and cares about his football. He is very level headed and doesn't get ahead of himself.

"He can crack a good joke and I like him very much. I love his personality and we get on very well."

Discussing the landmark appearance, Daniels told the Daily Echo: "I am looking forward to it. It is a nice achievement for me and, hopefully, there will be a lot more to come.

"When I joined, the club was ambitious to get into the Championship. For me playing in League One, playing in the Championship was something I had always wanted to do.

"I wanted to test myself against the best players that I could and felt I just needed a chance at a club. Fortunately, Lee Bradbury signed me and I am very thankful to him.

"Ever since then, it has been a great ride and I just want it to continue. Making my 200th appearance against a Premier League club ain't too bad either!" added the East Londoner.