EDDIE Howe revealed Benik Afobe had played a key role in the loan switch of Arsenal star Jack Wilshere to Cherries.

England international Wilshere yesterday completed a season-long loan move to Vitality Stadium in one of the most notable deals in club history.

Crystal Palace and Roma were among a string of clubs linked with the 24-year-old ahead of the closure of the transfer window.

Afobe came through the ranks with Wilshere at Arsenal and is godfather to the midfielder's child.

And boss Howe admitted former Wolves frontman Afobe had aided Wilshere's decision to join the Dorset side on a temporary basis.

Howe told the Daily Echo: "It's always useful for a player to know someone inside the camp and when you have a decision to make you can go to that person and ask honest questions and that player will give you honest feedback over the environment and how the club works.

"These are all the things the players want to know and they can find them out very quickly.

"It looks like Benik answered honestly and said good things because Jack decided to come."