GRATEFUL striker Joshua King insists Eddie Howe is the best manager he has worked under and says he is desperate to repay the boss for his patience.

King made the switch to Cherries from Blackburn for around £1million in the summer and endured mixed fortunes when he was utilised in a withdrawn role early in the campaign.

But the 24-year-old has since turned in a number of eye-catching displays up front, the Norway international scoring one and creating another in Cherries' latest Premier League victory at Newcastle on Saturday.

King joined Manchester United as a 16-year-old but failed to establish himself under Sir Alex Ferguson and eventually departed for Blackburn in January 2013.

The Oslo-born hitman struggled to make an impact at Rovers and made just eight starts in his final season at Ewood Park, although an FA Cup hat-trick against Stoke 13 months ago served notice of his potential.

Discussing the positive effect of Howe on his career, King said: “The gaffer has been very good to me since the day I came here and has been very loyal and understanding.

“It’s good to have a manager who believes in you, gives you chances, talks to you on a personal level and tries to improve you as a player.

“I was struggling at the start of the season and didn't really fit in football-wise but he has been patient and sometimes players need that.

"He has been the best manager I’ve had both personally and football-wise in my career so far. I’ve learned a lot from him and Jason Tindall since I've come here.

“Given the way the gaffer is with me personally and on the pitch, the only thing I can do is to try and repay him.

“I’m enjoying my life at the moment and this could be my best year so far. We are only in March and, hopefully, it will just keep going up from here.

“I’m not taking my foot off the gas, just like the team."

King became a father for the first time when his partner gave birth to baby Noah nine days ago.

The Cherries frontman subsequently contributed to wins over Southampton and Newcastle which moved Howe's side 11 points clear of the Premier League drop zone and seemingly within touching distance of safety.

Despite the improved look of the standings from a Cherries perspective, King is adamant he and his team-mates will not rest just yet.

He added: “I wouldn’t say we are safe. We have got lots more to do. The win against Newcastle brought us a step closer but we are not going to take our foot off the gas and think because we are 11 points clear we can all of a sudden lose.

“You have to look at it mathematically and we won’t stop until we are 100 per cent safe. Even then, we will still play good football and give 100 per cent because that is what our fans deserve.

“This is the start of 2016 and staying in the Premier League this season and doing well next season is the plan."