CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe believes 40 points may not be enough for Premier League survival and insists it is a "dangerous" marker.

Lowly Swansea's surprise 1-0 win over Liverpool on Monday means the bottom 11 sides are separated by just six points.

Cherries have accumulated 25 points from 24 top-flight fixtures, meaning they must do better than a draw per game to reach the fabled 40 mark.

But Howe said it would not be helpful to set that figure as a target for his squad, insisting beating last season's club-record total of 46 would be a more useful aim.

Asked if he felt fewer than 40 could be enough for survival, Howe told the Daily Echo: "It's difficult to predict. I really do dislike 40 points as a marker.

"Get to 40 and you are safe? West Ham went down with 42. It's very dangerous to try to predict or worry yourself with.

"Every season is different so I don't think you can look back historically and make too many assumptions.

"For us, our target this season was to beat our points tally from last season and to try to keep improving. It's going to be tough to do that but I still think it's possible.

"I haven't ever used 40 points as a marker to my players because I don't buy into the idea 40 points is safe and I don't think you want to set that bare minimum points target and say: 'This is where we want to get to'.

"I don't think that is a healthy thing to do."

Having played 24 games last season, Cherries had just one more point on the board than they do in the current campaign.

Cherries went on to bank a ninth-place finish, the club's best effort in the league ladder.

Meanwhile, Howe has spoken of the positive influence of striker Callum Wilson upon his squad.

The former Coventry City frontman, who returned from a second serious knee injury in October, has seven goals in 17 appearances this season.

Although he experienced a quiet afternoon in front of goal at West Ham on Saturday, Wilson's effect is regularly felt, according to Howe.

The boss said: "One of the big things about Callum is I don't think you would notice if he is on a scoring run or not.

"It's part of his character to be enthusiastic and positive and I think that's always there. They are the hallmarks which make him the player he is.

"Trying to not let your emotions show regardless of your form shows a real strength of character and Callum is a very positive person and that rubs off on the other players."

Cherries return to action at Chelsea a week tomorrow and Howe added: "There is a slight break in the schedule. I don't think there will be too much reflection or analysis done.

"We are still very much in the flow of regular games. We have to make sure we are prepared for the next match."