EDDIE Howe believes the high-profile loan signing of Jack Wilshere can inspire his side to reach "another level".

Wilshere made an impressive 45-minute debut during Saturday's testimonial game against AC Milan, playing an advanced role in behind the strike pairing of Benik Afobe and Lewis Grabban.

It was the England man's first start since the Euro 2016 draw with Slovakia in Saint Etienne.

Speaking after the 2-1 defeat to the Rossoneri, Howe said: "We know if we give him the ball in key positions he will hurt teams. We saw the potential of the team with him in it and I think there are going to be some exciting times ahead. "He can provide that link between midfield and attack which we desperately need.

"He's very creative and anyone who has watched him play for Arsenal down the years knows how good he is with his decision-making. "Perhaps that's been one criticism of the team this year in that we haven't had that killer pass.

"I had hoped that the high-profile nature of the signing would give the lads the confidence that having a player like Jack Wilshere in your squad can give and I have seen a difference in our players since he arrived.

"It's an exciting time for everyone at the club to have someone of his quality here and hopefully it will inspire everyone on the coaching side as well as the other players to move on to another level."

Former Manchester United star Paul Scholes was the latest pundit to question Wilshere's move south when he suggested the midfielder had "set his sights too low" in an interview with Sky Sports at the weekend.

Howe added: "The Premier League, in my opinion, is the best league in the world and the place where most players want to play. Jack wanted to stay in the Premier League and we wanted to give him a platform to get back to his very best level.

"I don't think you can criticise a player for wanting to go to a specific club - time will tell whether the move is successful and we will do everything in our power to make sure he doesn't regret the decision."