CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe believes Ryan Fraser has returned to the scintillating form which saw him terrorise Premier League defences last season – including Liverpool’s.

Howe described as a “turning point in his career” the substitute appearance in which Fraser tore apart the Reds in a 35-minute cameo at Vitality Stadium 12 months ago.

The Scotland international has featured prominently in the Dorset club’s past three fixtures having previously not started in the Premier League since September.

He scored in the 1-1 draw with Southampton and also impressed during games against Crystal Palace and Manchester United.

The 23-year-old is in contention to face Liverpool on Sunday (4.30pm) and Howe revealed he had always had faith Fraser would hit the heights he achieved last season.

He told the Daily Echo: “I have always had faith in Ryan. I always believed he could be whatever he wanted to be.

“The talent he possesses at a young age is rare and hard to find.

“In the past few games he has got back to the levels he was at last season. He has been really good and I am hoping for more of the same from him.

“Every player needs to have total faith in their ability, know they can perform at the level, and know they are fit enough.

“Everything that goes into it, to make a performance, is down to the mind.

“Ryan definitely fits into that category and it is great to see him returning to his best.”

Bought from Aberdeen for a bargain £400,000 in January 2013, Fraser made his first Premier League appearance for Cherries against West Ham at the start of last season.

He now has 37 top-flight appearances, four goals and five assists to his name.

Fraser’s game-changing cameo in Cherries’ remarkable 4-3 win over the Reds saw him shoot to stardom.

On as a 55th-minute substitute to replace Junior Stanislas with Cherries trailing 2-0, he won a penalty with his second touch after drawing a foul from James Milner.

He then scored his maiden goal in the Premier League and provided the assist for Steve Cook to level before Nathan Ake’s dramatic late winner.

“For Ryan I think that was a turning point in his career here,” added Howe.

“From that moment, he grew - not in terms of size of course! But in terms of his belief system and psychology.

“He entered the pitch from that moment believing he deserved to be there and could perform.”

Cherries’ famous triumph over Jurgen Klopp’s men was their only victory against the Merseysiders in four Premier League contests.

But Howe refused to take the credit for Fraser’s inspired introduction.

He added: “I never look at a substitution and think ‘that was brilliant’ I never will do.

“For me it is always the impact of the player which is important – not the decision to bring him on the pitch.

“I have made plenty of substitutions which haven’t had an impact, so what do I do then? Do I blame myself or do I look at the player?

“It’s the player’s responsibility, if they enter the pitch, to make a difference.”