EDDIE Howe says Roger East's decision to deny Cherries a penalty at Stoke last week is "forgotten" after the referee demonstrated his "calibre" by apologising for his mistake.

The official failed to point to the spot following Ryan Shawcross's scything challenge on Callum Wilson, prompting Howe to declare he would contact the referees' governing body to seek an explanation for East's oversight.

But the Cherries boss has now laid the matter to rest after receiving an apology from East, who will act as fourth official for Southampton's clash with Everton on Sunday.

"I had contact with Roger East – not verbally but through email," revealed Howe.

"I think he showed his class again, the fact that he wrote to me and apologised for his decision.

"I can’t ask any more than that. I think it shows the calibre of the guy, the fact he’s willing to admit his mistake.

"It’s put to bed. It’s forgotten as far as we’re concerned. And I reiterate what I said after the game – I have a lot of respect for the man."

Cherries travel to Arsenal on Sunday, with Howe ready to make late decisions on the availability of injured pair Artur Boruc and Andrew Surman.

Goalkeeper Boruc sat out his team's victory at Stoke, having sustained a back problem in training. And replacement Adam Federici pressed his claim for his continued inclusion in the side by recording Cherries' first shutout on the road in 11 attempts – a run stretching all the way back to a goalless draw at Watford on February 27.

"We’ll have to wait and see if Artur makes it but when he is back fit – whenever that is – I’m going to have a tough call," said Howe.

"Adam did very well last week, it was our first clean sheet in a number of away games and he played a big part in that.

"His distribution was very good and his confidence levels looked very high so I was pleased for him."

A hamstring injury picked up at Middlesbrough last month has kept Surman out of Cherries' past two matches.

Howe will definitely be without Jack Wilshere at the Emirates, with Premier League rules dictating the midfielder can't play against his parent club.

Adam Smith is eligible to return, however, the right-back having served his one-match ban last Saturday.