TASKMASTER Eddie Howe has promised he will not allow his Cherries players to take their foot off the pedal during the international break.

The Dean Court side currently sit 11th in the Championship table and manager Howe is keen to improve that position when league action resumes.

Charlton Athletic are next up for Cherries on October 18, a clash which kicks off a run of seven fixtures in 21 days.

Alongside six Championship games, Cherries host West Brom in the League Cup on October 28 and with that busy run in mind, Howe says his players must be in peak condition.

He told the Daily Echo: “We will try and use the international break as constructively as we can.

“We will endeavour to work the players hard and make sure that when we come back, the players hit the ground running.

"We’ve had an incredibly hard run of fixtures and we have an incredibly busy schedule the other side of the break as well, so we have to make sure we’re well prepared for those games.

“We need to ensure everyone is where they need to be fitness-wise.

“When you’re frustrated at results and wanting to move forward, I think players can expect to work hard because it’s only hard work that brings you consistent success.”

Striker Tokelo Rantie will miss out on a full fortnight of training with Cherries as he is on international duty with South Africa.

The 24-year-old is in contention to feature in the African Nations Cup double-header against Congo, with the opening fixture due to take place on Saturday.

Artur Boruc has been selected in the Poland squad for European Championship qualifiers against Germany and Scotland.

Fellow keeper Benji Buchel could feature for Liechtenstein at home to Montenegro on Thursday.