STRIKER Tokelo Rantie dedicated his drought-ending double to boss Eddie Howe having etched his name into the Cherries history books.

The South Africa international helped turn Cherries’ thumping of Birmingham at St Andrew’s into a record-breaking 8-0 rout with two goals in four minutes – the first from the penalty spot – during the dying embers.

Rantie had struggled to adapt to life on the pitch since his club-record move from Swedish club Malmo in August last year and had not scored a senior goal in England since February prior to Saturday.

The 24-year-old admitted he had been moved by the support he has garnered from his team-mates but saved special thanks for Howe for keeping the faith after emphatically ending his barren run.

Rantie told the Daily Echo: “It was emotional because the support all the guys have given me is something I feel I wouldn’t get anywhere else.

“They all had a part in my goals and I must thank each and every one of them, most importantly the manager.

“He has stood by me during difficult times so I think the credit must go to him too. He has spent so much time with me, showing me ways to improve and areas where I can hurt the opposition.

“We do a lot of scoring exercises after training and it is something I need to do more of because I believe I am improving.

“I can’t remember a day where I haven’t done extra training. I’m looking forward to doing even more and I know I must work even harder because the competition for places is so tight but if I do, my chances will come.

“I am very pleased to contribute and just hope that this is the beginning of many good things, not just for me but for the whole team.

“We talk about the culture and achievements at the club all the time and I believe that together, we can break many more records.”