BOSS Eddie Howe believes Emerson Hyndman's Cherries career could take a similar path to that of Lewis Cook.

The 21-year-old American international ended a long wait for his first 90 minutes in a Cherries shirt when he featured in Saturday's 2-2 draw with Wigan in the FA Cup.

It was Hyndman's fifth appearance since joining the Dorset club from Fulham in the summer of 2016.

The Texan faces a tough task to force his way in Howe's Premier League plans given he is vying for a spot with the likes of Cook, Harry Arter, Dan Gosling and Andrew Surman.

However, alongside a loan spell at Scottish giants Rangers in the second half of last season, Hyndman has been grafting behind the scenes at Vitality Stadium in the hope of earning a chance.

And Howe emphasised that Cook – now a key player in the Cherries midfield – had been in a similar position following his arrival from Leeds.

Reflecting on Hyndman's display against Wigan, Howe told the Daily Echo: “I thought Emerson did really well. I was really pleased with him.

"It wasn’t an easy game for a young player to come into, especially with the scoreline early in the game and I felt he showed maturity. He didn’t let it faze him or affect him.

“He kept trying to do the right things and get on the ball and help us play. I think he grew into playing a very good game.

“It’s difficult when you look at the quality he has ahead of him. It was the same for Lewis Cook when he first came to the club.

“You have to wait, learn and develop behind the scenes. A lot of work has been done by Emerson and he has shown a great attitude to it.

“I thought he deserved the opportunity to show how much he has improved and I felt he delivered that."

Capped twice by the United States, Hyndman admitted Cherries' experienced midfielders had given him plenty of useful pointers since his move from Craven Cottage.

He said: "The boys I work with every day help me positionally. We play very differently to other teams. We are very structured but we play good attacking football and you have to learn your role.

"Over the past year or two, I think I have definitely learned that.

"There's a few midfielders who have been around this club for a long time so I would be silly not to take advice from them.

"You can get tips from the manager as well but advice from players helps you even more.

"I was thankful for the opportunity on Saturday to show what I could do. Things change really quickly in football and you have to stay positive, especially when you have not played in a while.

"I train hard knowing I will get a chance on the pitch."