SHARPSHOOTER Dan Gosling is not tempted to point to his enviable scoring record as he bids to convince Cherries boss Eddie Howe he is worth a regular starting berth.

The former Newcastle and Everton man has started just one Championship game this term, due in part to the form of fellow central midfielders Harry Arter, Andrew Surman and Eunan O’Kane.

However, Gosling has played all three games in the League Cup and has four goals in his name in that competition.

He bagged a brace in the 3-0 third-round victory at Cardiff on Tuesday and although second in the club scorecharts, the Devonian is not about to knock on Howe’s door just yet.

 

Gosling told the Daily Echo: “I don’t think I need to remind the manager |of my goalscoring record. He assesses everything, so I’m sure he knows.

“At first it was difficult as the lads that did so well last year got the nod for the first game of the season and we played fantastically well.

“Over the next couple of weeks, performances were very good and the results were there and it’s hard to take people out when they are playing well.

“It has been difficult but I’m very confident I will play a lot of football this season so it is not too big an issue, but I was disappointed not to play as much as I thought I would.

“The manager has a lot of good players to choose from and hard decisions to make. When you do get your chance you have to take it and give the manager a problem for the next game.

“If you don’t do that, there is someone in your position who will.”

Cherries have not lost a game in which Gosling has featured and the 24-year-old will hope to take his place in the starting XI for the visit of Wigan tomorrow (3pm).

Gosling could come up against the versatile James Perch, a close pal during the duo’s spell at St James’s Park.

“I’m best mates with James Perch and I’ve been speaking to him this week and having a bit of banter about the game,” added Gosling.

“We became good mates at Newcastle and have kept in touch so it will be nice to see him.”