CROCKED Cherries defender Tyrone Mings has revealed that boss Eddie Howe has been a rock behind the scenes during his injury nightmare.

Summer signing Mings, 22, has been sidelined since damaging medial cruciate and anterior cruciate ligaments on his Premier League debut against Leicester.

“I think the best person to speak to is the manager,” said Mings.

“He had his career cut short by injury and had a lot of problems when he was a player. He had a knee injury right after making his debut for Portsmouth – it was his second game.

“He’s spoken to me a lot about rehab and what to expect because he’s been through it himself.

“My family and friends have been great too. A lot of people have come to see me, been there for me to speak to and the support has been great.

“There’s still a lot of excitement at the club because of the promotion and all of the new facilities and things like that.

“We’re a Premier League club and the staff and the players are all enjoying the experience – this is why we play this game.

“For me, I’ve got to keep working as hard as I can and hopefully we’re still a Premier League club by the time I’m back.”

Mings was speaking to the Wiltshire Times.