BOSS Eddie Howe admitted to “slight regrets” over the opening seven weeks of the Championship season but backed his “level-headed” players to deliver results.

Cherries are without a win in six league outings and Howe feels his team do not have the points on the board their efforts deserve.

The Dean Court side have conceded crucial late goals against Watford, Leeds and Rotherham of late, while they were also the victims of a smash and grab by Nottingham Forest in August.

But ahead of tomorrow’s home clash with Wigan (3pm), Howe dismissed previous results as “history” and praised his players for their mental toughness.

He told the Daily Echo: “As long as performances remain at a very high level then I will be content.

“You need to turn those performances into results but I have no doubt that if we continue along the same path then we’ll be fine.

“Of course there are slight regrets because with a few more points we would be in a much better position, and I think we deserve those points for certain games, but that’s history now and it’s gone.

“We’ve just got to make sure we learn from those experiences and put them to good use if we’re ever in that position again. You don’t always get what you deserve but the main positive is that the lads have kept their focus.

“They have remained very level- headed and although they have been disappointed that we haven’t got the wins we’ve deserved, they have remained mentally very strong and I think that’s going to be very important.”

Cherries will make a late decision on centre-back Steve Cook, who picked up a tight groin in the warm-up against League Cup opponents Cardiff on Tuesday. Cup-tied Andrew Surman is in contention for a return to the squad.

Meanwhile, Howe revealed his pleasure at the prospect of a tie with West Bromwich Albion in the fourth round of the League Cup.

Cherries have never progressed beyond round four and Howe told the Daily Echo: “We wanted a home draw so it’s great from that perspective and, hopefully, we’ll get a good crowd.

“We’re playing a Premier League team and we have the chance to get to the quarter-final of a major cup competition, so that’s a great incentive for us."

The tie will take place in the week commencing October 27.