BOSS Eddie Howe felt Shaun MacDonald had passed his examination after the central midfielder had returned to the starting fold in the Championship.

Welshman MacDonald had featured in five cup ties and two league fixtures as a substitute this season prior to Saturday’s 3-1 loss at Brentford.

But with Harry Arter suspended, Eunan O’Kane injured and Dan Gosling on the bench following an ankle problem, MacDonald was handed his first league start in 14 months.

Howe said: “Macca controlled the game with Andrew Surman and used the ball very well, so I was very pleased with him.”