BOSS Eddie Howe readied himself for the "stressful experience" of summer recruitment and vowed Cherries would not lose their identity.

Howe has until August 9 to build his squad for next season and admits he is keen to bring in new faces.

But the 40-year-old is guarding against making too many changes as he seeks to strike a "delicate balance".

Howe said: "We now enter a different stage, the most important stage, the transfer market.

"That is one of the most stressful experiences you can go through because you know your hopes for the next season really do rest on what you do in that situation.

“It’s always a delicate balance in the transfer market. We are active, I think we need to do business.

“But you can overkill, you can make too many changes and lose your identity so for us, it’s always quality over quantity and players who can make a difference.

“They are tough to find and they can be expensive. Hopefully, we can be smart and get our business done.

"I'm not directly involved in the process. I identify the players but that is my part done. I am then in the hands of other people to negotiate and get the deals over the line.

"I don't like that part of it because I'm not in control and can't do anything about it.

"When you are as obsessive over the role as I am and you are not in control, it's not a nice feeling."

Meanwhile, Harry Arter came off the bench during the Republic of Ireland’s 2-0 defeat to France on Monday.

Arter replaced Alan Browne after 59 minutes and picked up a booking at Stade de France.

The midfielder, who has held talks with Cherries boss Eddie Howe over his future, could be involved when the Boys in Green host the United States at Aviva Stadium on Saturday.

Striker Benik Afobe played 73 minutes for DR Congo as they drew 1-1 with Nigeria at Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium.

The 25-year-old scored six goals in 16 games to help Wolves win the Championship while on loan from Cherries during the second half of the campaign.