CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe believes Jordon Ibe is reaping the rewards having worked "incredibly hard" at his game.

Howe, who restored Ibe to his starting line-up against Manchester City, said he had seen "real improvements" in the winger's training performances.

The 21-year-old endured a disappointing start to life at Vitality Stadium following his club record £15million move from Liverpool in the summer.

He was pitched into Howe’s team from the outset and started the first 11 Premier League games – being substituted in all of them.

Ibe earned his recall against City after offering teasing glimpses of the skilful, purposeful play that persuaded Howe to invest in his wares in appearances from the bench against Watford, Crystal Palace and Everton.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “Jordon has worked incredibly hard behind the scenes, with us and by himself, to try to improve his overall game.

“His age is not often talked about, in the sense that it is a different environment here compared with Liverpool, the pressures of the price tag and all the things he’s had to deal with.

“To then produce his very best form immediately would have been difficult.

“Sometimes, it takes longer for players to settle at a new club than it does for others, but we’re seeing real improvements in his training performances.

“So, I’m very excited and I always have been about the future for Jordon.”

With Callum Wilson sidelined for the remainder of the campaign by an anterior cruciate ligament injury, Ibe will be sensing an opportunity to keep his place, especially on the back of his efforts against Pep Guardiola's men.

“I think he’s an outstanding player technically and has all the athletic attributes we want in our wide players,” added Howe.

“He just needs to keep his head down, keep working hard and he’ll get his rewards.

“There are chances for everybody to play. If they train right, with the right attitude, there will be chances for the whole squad because we have a tighter squad now and a squad I’m very excited about.”