BOSS Eddie Howe is tomorrow set to reunite with Huddersfield Town’s Martin Cranie – 13 years after the pair lined up together for Cherries.

The Terriers defender spent a three-game spell on loan at Dean Court from Southampton in 2004, when the Dorset club were in League One.

He started twice and made one substitute appearance in games against Barnsley, Peterborough and Hartlepool.

Howe, who did not miss a minute of those fixtures, says it is "no surprise” Cranie is now plying his trade in the Premier League.

The 31-year-old is expected to start for Huddersfield against Cherries in place of the suspended Christopher Schindler.

Asked what his memories were of featuring alongside the defender, Howe told the Daily Echo: “Very good. I enjoyed playing alongside Martin.

“He was a young player and was making his way in the game. He was a very good footballer, very composed and a good defender.

“He read the game very well and I could only see positive things for him on the back of that loan. I thought he was going to go on to have a very good career.

“Now he is playing in the Premier League and it is no surprise to me. He has had to fight different paths to get there but full credit to him for what he has done.

“I always admire players who have to drop away from the top league and then find their way back there again. I think that is the hardest route to take.”

Cranie was part of the Huddersfield squad which sealed promotion to the Premier League last season.

But boss David Wagner insisted he had not been looking at Cherries – now in their third season in the top flight – as any form of inspiration for his squad.

He told the Huddersfield Examiner: “I don't need inspiration from Bournemouth – I think they have done it differently to Huddersfield Town.

“They have a Russian owner with a lot of money which they have spent, while we have a local owner and have done it our way.

“Both styles have been very successful so far and I am looking forward to meeting Bournemouth and Eddie Howe.”

Responding to those comments, Howe said: “I think everyone has an individual journey. I don’t think you can ever draw parallels between two clubs.

“Everyone’s journey will be special to them and I don’t think we should begrudge anyone feeling protective over how they have done it.

“Our journey is certainly different to Huddersfield’s and ours is unique because we were heading out of the Football League at one stage.

“We didn’t have a Russian owner until the middle part of the journey, so the club’s rise has been incredible.

“But then Huddersfield’s story is also incredible and I think should be commended by everybody.”