BOSS Eddie Howe has spread a message of love throughout his Cherries squad and insists non-selection should not leave players feeling undervalued.

Howe was speaking after witnessing Dan Gosling – a regular substitute in the top flight this term – give a controlled and influential display in Saturday's gutsy stalemate with high-fliers Tottenham.

Gosling was thrust into the line-up for his first Premier League start of the season after Andrew Surman had succumbed to illness during the warm-up at Vitality Stadium.

Previously, former Everton and Newcastle United man Gosling had only started two games this term, both in the EFL Cup, but he looked every bit the equal of Tottenham's all-star midfield.

And while praising Gosling for his part in earning a precious point, Howe admitted the 26-year-old – like all of the Cherries squad – should feel loved by his manager.

Howe told the Daily Echo: "I think Dan has been very good this season. He has been unlucky not to have started league games for us. He did well in the cup games.

"He has trained very well, shown a good attitude and is a real team player. I'm a massive Dan Gosling fan so it was great to see him come in and do so well.

"You saw the effort and determination he played with and how much he gives for his team, his club and the supporters and I'm delighted for him.

"It's always difficult when you are not selecting players on a consistent basis to tell them you love them and how much you value them because your actions aren't saying the same thing.

"But I can only pick 11 players and it's a very difficult selection every week. I have to leave some very good players out, not just of the XI but of the 18. But I love all my players. Unfortunately, that's one of the perils of the job."

Howe had watched his team hammer Hull City 6-1 seven days prior to the draw with Spurs but revealed he had been more impressed by the latter display.

He said: "The result wasn't as pleasing because we picked up one point and not three but for me we performed better than we did against Hull.

"I know that might sound bizarre for a lot of people but you have to take into account the opposition we were playing against and the manner in which the players did what we asked them to do.

"I think it was a very high level and any AFC Bournemouth supporter would, hopefully, leave very proud of the team and buoyed by the possible future of the team."

Howe's side were praised by Spurs boss Mauricio Pochettino before and after the contest and the Cherries manager added: "It's very nice to get recognition from people you respect.

"The fact they are still unbeaten and haven't conceded a goal in open play speaks volumes for the work he has done with them on the training pitch and to be able to have an even game and go to-to-toe with them was really pleasing.

"That's another really tough game they have given us. I thought it was a really high quality game despite the fact there were no goals. I think they are right up there with the teams we've played this season."