CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe has lavished praise on Junior Stanislas for excelling during a “big season for him”.

Stanislas paved the way for Cherries’ win over his and Howe’s former club Burnley with a finely-taken opening goal on Saturday.

The versatile 27-year-old has netted six times this season and is second only to Charlie Daniels in Cherries’ list of leading assist-makers in the Premier League with seven.

Howe said: “He has been very good for us this season. I think it has been his most productive in terms of assists and goals.

“It is great to see him getting those numbers up because he has always been a hugely talented player, technically.

“All attacking players need to add product and numbers to what they do.

“It was a great goal against Burnley. It was a wonderful finish on his wrong side and it will do him the world of good going into next season.”

Asked if he felt Stanislas had become more defensively diligent, Howe replied: “I think that is a natural progression with age. You become more accustomed to what is expected and what is asked of you.

“He has developed well physically and is stronger than perhaps he would have been as a younger player.

“His all-round game has improved. It has been a big season for him and he has been excellent.”