MANAGER Eddie Howe has launched a staunch defence of Callum Wilson in the face of criticism regarding the striker’s role in Cherries’ penalty haul.

Wilson has won 10 of Cherries’ 15 spot-kicks in the Championship this season and has received his fair share of stick from opposing supporters for the high ratio.

The frontman was again in the thick of the action when he was denied what Howe described as “the most clear-cut penalty I have seen this season involving my team” during Cherries’ 2-2 draw with Sheffield Wednesday on Saturday.

Referee Paul Tierney turned down Cherries’ claims for a spot-kick after Wilson had been sent sprawling by Owls defender Lewis Buxton, with Howe later claiming “if there is a limit on the number of penalties that can be given then the Football League should let us know”.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Howe said: “I am very protective of Callum. If you look at his style of play, he is quick, dynamic and he always plays on the shoulders of defenders. When you are running at speed, naturally, the slightest knock is going to take you down.

“I don’t think he has ever gone down and looked for a penalty. He has felt challenges and gone down through his momentum. Then, it is up to the referee as to whether they give a penalty or not.

“If he was falling on the floor theatrically and turning round and wanting a penalty without being touched, that would be totally different. I haven’t seen him do that all season.

“I know him very well. He is honest and just plays the game. He is a very strong boy but is also very quick and I think you have to take that into account.

"It is no coincidence we have got the penalties we have because of his pace and defenders struggle to deal with him.”

Howe added: “I have had the chat many times with the players and I don’t want people to dive. I have always been very against it if I have seen it, even in training. The players will tell you that we are very firm with them on that.

“We try to win fairly and honestly. That has always been my way as a player and a manager and it is very important to us as a football club.”

Cherries’ tally of 15 penalties awarded is the most in the Championship with Watford, Middlesbrough and Charlton the next highest with eight.

Tommy Elphick said referee Tierney felt Wilson and Buxton had gone “shoulder-to-shoulder”, a view the Cherries skipper did not agree with.

Elphick said: “I always say referees have the hardest job. My opinion was that the defender was a bit behind Callum and hit him between the shoulder blades rather than square on.

"If that had happened then you would have held up your hands but Cal is a strong boy. If he had gone shoulder-to-shoulder with him, the other lad wouldn’t have stood a chance so, for me, it should have been a penalty.”