BOSS Eddie Howe knows Cherries will face a stiff examination when they visit Birmingham City in the second round of the League Cup.

Known as the Carabao Cup this season, Cherries were paired against the Blues in last night’s draw with the tie due to take place during the week commencing Monday, August 21.

Birmingham, 5-1 winners over Crawley in the first round, are managed by former Cherries boss Harry Redknapp, who is assisted by Kevin Bond.

Bond handed Howe his first coaching role during his time as Cherries manager.

Speaking to the Daily Echo just minutes after the draw had been made, Howe said: “It will be great to see Harry and Kevin again. I thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Kevin when he was here.

“Under them, Birmingham will provide us with a tough test. Harry is a vastly experienced manager and has done an excellent job there.

“We were hugely disappointed to exit the competition so early last season because we have done well in it in recent years.

“Our run to the quarter-finals a couple of years ago gave us added momentum as we strived for promotion from the Championship.

“But we have two important Premier League games before we play Birmingham so they will be our main focus until we start preparing for the League Cup.”