CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe insisted every strike partnership was unique before praising the progress made by Callum Wilson and Yann Kermorgant this season.

The duo have been Howe's front two of choice since Lewis Grabban's summer departure to Norwich and Wilson's arrival from Coventry.

Wilson and Kermorgant have started four of Cherries' five Championship games and Howe says the partnership has the potential to improve rapidly.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “Every player is different and has not only different technical skills but also a different personality on the pitch.

“I don't think you can ever put two players in the same box. They (Wilson and Grabban) have similarities but are totally different at the same time.

“You will never repeat what one partnership has done. It's a case of developing a different style and a different way of playing.

“But I definitely see that partnership could be successful as I see that other partnerships within the club could be successful.

“If you've got a football brain and a good understanding of the game then you can develop a partnership very quickly. They have an understanding already and it can get better so it's up to us to harness that.”

Despite his optimism that Wilson and Kermorgant would flourish together, Howe insisted the pair's relationship would only blossom given time.

He continued: “People sometimes expect partnerships just to click but it's always difficult for them to develop.

“It takes time and a lot of work on the training ground to gain an understanding of each other and build the relationship.

“I think we've seen, even from the Huddersfield game, signs that there could be a fruitful partnership between Callum and Yann.

“As always, I'd say there's room for improvement and that's certainly what we are hoping for.”

  • Cherries striker Tokelo Rantie came on as a second-half substitute during South Africa's 0-0 draw with Nigeria in an African Nations Cup qualifier on Wednesday.

The former Malmo frontman nearly gave the hosts a first win over the Super Eagles in 10 years but was denied by stopper Austin Ejide late on.