BOSS Eddie Howe is backing his team of trusted coaches to “inspire” the next generation of Cherries stars.

Howe, who came through the youth ranks at Dean Court, insists the “opportunity is there” for youngsters in the area to forge a career in the professional game.

He was speaking ahead of Cherries’ FA Youth Cup fourth round clash with Tottenham at Vitality Stadium tomorrow (7pm) – the first time the club has reached this stage since 1997.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “When I was in the centre, the coaching was always of a very high standard.

“When you consider I was coached by Tony Pulis, Sean O’Driscoll and John Williams, they were people who were in regular contact.

“A lot of Tony’s staff came down and were really involved. I improved so much from that and although the facilities weren’t great, the coaching was very good.

“With the impact they had on my career, I want to try to give the kids in our centre of excellence now the same opportunity.

“I think the opportunity is there.

“When you look at Alan Connell, Mark Molesley, Carl Fletcher, Stephen Purches, Shaun Cooper, Brian Stock and James Hayter, these are players who have valuable knowledge and great attitudes.

“I think they can inspire some great players to come through.”

Howe’s interest in the club’s youth set-up also brings with it a personal attachment.

“I have watched a lot of sessions at the pre-academy because my boy has started there in the under-sevens,” he said.

“He absolutely loves it, he loves anything to do with football.

“The opportunity to train, play and put on a Bournemouth shirt is very rewarding for him at the moment.

“As most parents will know they do not listen to a word you say! They hang on every word a coach or someone else will say but you struggle when it’s your own mum and dad telling you.

“I am seeing very close at hand what we are doing with the kids and I think it’s brilliant.

“Jason (Tindall) is the same with his boy and Stephen Purches is the same with his two boys, so we are very heavily involved at the younger age groups.

“These kids are being taught great things.”

With the under-18s guided by Connell, a 3-0 victory over Hull City last month saw Cherries reach the fourth round for the first time in more than 20 years.

And Howe, who played alongside the former striker during the mid-2000s, insisted he had made a big impact since stepping into the role.

“He is doing really well,” added the Cherries boss.

“His attitude and desire to achieve was there as a player. He was one of the best professionals that I saw in a young lad coming through.

“He was really dedicated to his work. He wanted to get better, had a thirst for knowledge and has taken the same mind set into his coaching.

“He is very enthusiastic and wants to watch the first team to see what we do, to develop himself.”