BOSS Eddie Howe insisted Callum Wilson would keep his focus amid the hype surrounding his electric start to the campaign.

The in-form frontman has impressed with goals in league fixtures against Cardiff and West Ham, helping the Dorset club earn six points from their opening two games.

Liverpool legend Graeme Souness, a season-ticket holder at Cherries, said the 26-year-old was a “real player” and “big clubs will be looking at him” while doing punditry for Sky Sports.

Defender Steve Cook went as far as saying his team-mate had “all the attributes” to challenge the likes of Harry Kane and Sergio Aguero for the Premier League’s golden boot.

Former Coventry star Wilson is set to be involved when Cherries tomorrow host Everton (3pm), a team he has never scored against in three top-flight starts.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “I think whenever your players get plaudits from people respected in the game, it’s nice.

“Personally, I always say I don’t listen to good or bad things and, that way, I think you stay very level.

“Of course, the players are human. I think it’s nice for Callum to receive that from someone as respected as Graeme.

“If it gives him an extra little lift, then great.

“Callum is always bouncy. He has that positive vibe and energy – I think that’s what makes him such a well-liked member of the squad.

“Knowing Callum as I do, he is so mentally strong I don’t think he will be seeking people to say nice things about him. He is very focused now on the next match.”

Wilson struck eight times in the top flight last season, having returned from a second serious knee injury in October.

He has scored in his past three league games having also netted the winner at Burnley on the final day of last season.

Asked whether he echoed Cook’s comments, manager Howe said: “I just want to see Callum give his all in every game. He has done that throughout his time here.

“I wouldn’t want to be putting too much pressure on him or increase the expectation of everyone else around him.

“Small processes are really important. His work-rate, willingness to press, closing down and all the things I think are hallmarks of his best performances.

“If he does all those things, I am sure he will score goals.”

Victory for Cherries over the Merseyside outfit could see them top the table.

They are level on points with Manchester City, Liverpool, Chelsea, Watford and Tottenham, who have also recorded perfect starts.

“Any plaudits we may get, if it was in a different stage of the season it may be different, but we have to be very guarded that people overreact both ways,” added Howe.

“We had it last year when we were defeated in our first two games and everyone was writing us off and saying negative things. I was trying to say let’s be calm and not overreact and it’s the same both ways – let’s just focus on the next game.”