BOSS Eddie Howe believes the opportunity to end a jinx stretching back 51 years will give Cherries the perfect motivation to sink Cardiff City tonight (7.45pm).

Cherries have not made the fourth round of the League Cup since 1963 when they defeated Newcastle United 2-1 to set up a clash with Stoke City.

The Dean Court side suffered a 2-1 loss at the hands of the Potters and have not progressed that far since, a state of affairs which could be remedied against the managerless Bluebirds.

And Howe has challenged his troops to end their barren run in the competition against City, who are set to be led by caretaker duo Danny Gabbidon and Scott Young.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “Fifty-one years is an incredibly long time and I think that should be a motivating statistic for us.

“There are all sorts of motivating factors – the 51 years, the chance to draw a big team and the chance to progress as far as you can in the competition.

“I think everyone would appreciate that it’s not the draw we wanted as it’s a long way to go on a Tuesday night, both for us and our supporters.

“But it is what it is and we have to make the best of it. I think it’s a good challenge to go to a big club and try to perform.”

Howe will make late calls on the fitness of Dan Gosling, Shaun MacDonald and Tokelo Rantie but Andrew Surman will not be involved as he is cup-tied.

The boss revealed he had concerns over a couple of other niggling injuries but politely declined to give further details.

During the opening rounds of this season's League Cup, the Cherries squad has been rotated and Howe revealed he would take a similar stance this time round.

Howe said: “We will make a couple of changes bearing in mind the amount of games we have coming up in a short period of time.

“If you see anyone that’s in need of a breather then I think it’s wise to give them that.

“Our bench on Saturday was very strong and full of players who have played and excelled in our team, so I have no doubts about the players I will bring in."