FORMER Cherries boss Eddie Howe has revealed he discovered strike sensation Charlie Austin by reading about him in the Daily Echo.

Howe watched Austin notch a hat-trick as Burnley hammered Peterborough 5-2 on Saturday – his second Clarets treble since signing from Swindon last year.

Austin made his move into the pro ranks with the Robins just two years ago, following a stunning 18 months at then Wessex League side Poole Town .

The 23-year-old notched 46 goals from 46 games for Dolphins in his first campaign at Tatnam and found the net 18 times in 11 matches the following season before moving to the County Ground in September 2010.

Howe, who was unable to sign Austin while manager at Dean Court due to a transfer embargo, told the Lancashire Telegraph: “A lot of people say if you score goals, you’ll score goals at any level.

“Charlie seems to be one of those players. I remember picking up the local paper in Bournemouth and seeing him score four and five every week for Poole Town and you think you’ve got to go and watch this kid – he’s definitely got something about him.

“He’s just carried that on through the levels.”

Howe, who left Dean Court for Turf Moor in January 2011, added: “I don’t think his game around the box has changed too much. He was always lethal.

“I watched him play for Poole Town against my Bournemouth team one pre-season and he stuck a header in at the back post.

“He hasn’t changed in that respect at all.

“I think his play around the box is the same now, and hopefully it won’t change.”