MANAGER Eddie Howe has praised “team player” Brett Pitman for adapting his game to keep pace with Cherries' climb through the divisions.

Pitman played his part in Cherries' 1-0 win over Charlton on Saturday after being handed his first start in the Championship since March.

The Jerseyman was a key figure in the club's rise from the depths of League Two to the Championship and led the goal charts during their two promotions in 2010 and 2013.

Re-signed by Howe from Bristol City in November 2012, Pitman, Cherries' fifth highest league marksman, could again feature when Reading visit Dean Court tonight (7.45pm).

Howe told the Daily Echo: “Brett has been with us on virtually the whole journey and is someone we really respect. He was a key goalscorer in League Two and League One and, from his perspective, would have been a little frustrated with the lack of opportunities last season, mainly due to the form of the strikers we had.

“Brett got his opportunity against Charlton and I thought he did very well. I think that will give everyone in the squad a boost because it shows your chance is there. What you need to do when you are out of the team is show you are a team player.

“You need to be prepared to work hard and to back the players who are in the team and wait for your chance. Brett has done all those things and that is why I was really pleased for him to have performed so well.

“His game has changed. When I first met him, his game was all about goals and nothing else. That can take you so far but then you need to add different aspects. The higher we have gone as a club, Brett has had to adapt his game.

“He now works incredibly hard, he plays a slightly deeper role, which he has for a couple of years, and does it very well. He brings other people into play and is more of a team player now than he has ever been.

“He understands the game and he understands my philosophy and what I want. To have someone on the pitch who can help you deliver that is key. His understanding of the game is very high. He does all the things that go unnoticed and that is why he is so important.”

Cherries, who did the double over Reading last season, will be bidding to register a third victory in succession, while the Royals will be hoping to end a five-match winless run in the league.

Howe added: “They are another big club in the division, a former Premier League club that will give us a good test.

“I think Nigel Adkins is a top manager. He proved that with the job he did at Southampton and is trying to emulate that with Reading.

“It is a game we are really looking forward to. We had two really good tussles with them last season where we just came out on top but they are a very good side and it is another game that our supporters can look forward to.”