EDDIE Howe admits he is not in favour of FIFA's international break proposals – revealing concerns over a "lack of momentum" for his Cherries side.

World football's governing body is considering introducing longer but fewer breaks during the domestic season and is at the start of a consultation process.

Two of the four have already passed this season, with the remaining two scheduled for next month and March.

Howe has admitted the first two-week hiatus "really did hinder us", with some members of his squad called up before not playing a part on the pitch.

And prior to the second, Howe said it was "not a good international break for us" as it impeded Cherries' hopes of building on their home draw against Leicester.

Matters worsened for the Cherries boss when Ryan Fraser, Brad Smith and Joshua King sustained injuries while away with their respective countries.

Asked for his thoughts on FIFA's proposals, Howe told the Daily Echo: "I don't think I'd be in favour of that personally, as an initial reaction, but I might need time to see what that means, how long a break they mean.

"What I worry about is the lack of momentum you get. At the moment it feels like, even this season, that we want more games.

"There is a frustration we are not playing more. Longer breaks, even if they are less frequent, I don't think I would be in favour of.

"Players are used to playing games. Of course a lot of players go away and carry on playing for their countries, which is great for them, but there are players left behind and it's difficult for them because they are waiting for another game.

"I feel for the supporters as well. Would the supporters want more regular games? It's a big window without a game especially if our next fixture is away. It's difficult to get the right balance."

Unless stakeholders including clubs, leagues and broadcasters agree to a change, the dates of international breaks will remain in place until 2024.

Both Manchester United boss Jose Mourinho and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger criticised the timing of the October break.

Meanwhile, Howe has praised Asmir Begovic for his contribution to Cherries' efforts in the 1-0 defeat to Tottenham on Saturday.

Begovic superbly denied in-form hitman Harry Kane on several occasions and also kept out an excellent strike from Christian Eriksen, the stopper having no chance with the Dane's second-half match-winner.

Howe said: “When you come into these games, you know your goalkeeper is going to need to have a good day for you to get anything.

“I thought he did have a good day. He made one superb save and overall, he was coming for crosses and his kicking was very good."

Begovic is one of two Cherries players not to have missed a single minute of Premier League action this season, the other being left-back Charlie Daniels.