EDDIE Howe warned midfielder Jack Wilshere he would have to "roll up his sleeves and fight" this season.

The Arsenal loan star was Cherries' marquee summer signing during a transfer window in which the club spent big on the likes of Jordon Ibe, Lewis Cook and Lys Mousset.

Wilshere has forged a reputation as one of England's finest technicians as part of a Gunners team regarded as arguably the most attractive passing side in the Premier League.

However, Wilshere now faces a different test with Cherries having joined the club on a season-long loan, the England international potentially in line to make his competitive debut at home to West Brom on Saturday (3pm).

While Howe has spoken frequently about the creative talents of his new recruit, the Cherries boss says the 24-year-old will also have to show his combative side this season.

Reflecting on Wilshere's decision to join the club, Howe said: "It is a brave decision, it is testing himself to the extreme.

"We won’t have an easy ride this year, it will be difficult for every member of my team and squad and he will have to roll up his sleeves and fight at times.

"It won’t all be about free-flowing, attractive football. When you are in our position it is about more than that.

"It was a brave call for him but, hopefully, one he won’t regret."

Howe hinted that Wilshere – utilised as a midfield anchorman by England in the past – would primarily be deployed in a more advanced role for Cherries.

He added: "I won’t give my team selections away but I don’t think it is rocket science where Jack is best.

"I have only worked with the player for a short period of time so I wouldn’t want to say something that will come back to haunt me but we would certainly want to see him attacking and using his creativity in the final third."

Although Wilshere is yet to make a competitive appearance for Cherries, Howe is already hopeful of keeping the midfielder in Dorset beyond the duration of his loan.

However, the Vitality Stadium boss admits it is impossible to predict what direction Wilshere's career will take in the long term.

Asked if he would like to retain the midfielder, Howe said: "Never say never in football, I couldn’t say 100 per cent.

"From our perspective we would love to but from Jack’s perspective this is about getting him to full fitness, playing games and seeing what the next step of his career is.

"I wouldn’t pin too many hopes on keeping him. Who knows what future holds? First and foremost we have to get the best out of Jack."

Wilshere, who has endured an injury-ravaged career, made just three top-flight appearances last term.

He then played in three friendlies for England in May and June and made three outings during an ill-fated Euro 2016 campaign.