BOSS Eddie Howe claimed Cherries are “in a good place” ahead of the new season.

The Dorset club kick off their campaign at West Bromwich Albion tomorrow (3pm) and Howe insisted his troops are well prepared to take on Tony Pulis’s side.

Speaking at this morning’s press conference, Howe said: “We are in a good place, I am happy with the pre-season that we've had.

“I think the players have come back very fit, very focused and ready to work straight away. From that perspective I feel we are ready.”

Howe confirmed that Junior Stanislas could still be out for around a month with a groin injury but Steve Cook and Jermain Defoe are in contention for the clash at the Hawthorns.

On team selection, he added: “When you have a good squad it gets harder because you are leaving very good players out of the team.

“But in some senses it should give you confidence because you know that you do have good players to pick from and, ultimately, as the season progresses, you are going to need all of those players to play their part.”