BOSS Eddie Howe admitted the narrow FA Cup defeat to Aston Villa had given him confidence that Cherries could ruffle feathers in the top flight.

The Championship leaders caused their hosts plenty of problems in the first half before efforts from Carles Gil and Andreas Weimann put Premier League Villa 2-0 up after the break.

Callum Wilson’s late tap-in proved only a consolation but Howe was left optimistic that – should his team earn promotion – they would present a severe test for their rivals.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “It does give you belief that we could compete.

“I think when you see the moments of quality that decided the game, naturally, it would be a hard year for us.

“But we’d rather be there than not. This experience will do the players the world of good.

“In terms of lessons, we have to learn to not give the ball away cheaply, which started to creep into our game during the second half.

“But that’s football and that’s the same whoever you play. You need to keep the ball and be reliable with it.”

Howe thanked a vociferous travelling support of nearly 6,000 for making the trip to Villa Park.

He added: “We’re a club that’s not had these high-profile games in our history so that’s why I think this tie was so special for our supporters and we really enjoyed it.

“I’m just pleased we gave them a goal at the end to go home with.

“Right from when we walked on the pitch before the game, the atmosphere was really special and it lifted the players.

“We’re really thankful to them for that.”