BOSS Eddie Howe insisted Asmir Begovic would bounce back following his uncharacteristic lapses against Newcastle.

Begovic was partly to blame for both Dwight Gayle goals as the visitors forged 2-0 ahead in the first half.

The goalkeeper and Steve Cook both failed to deal with a Matt Ritchie cross in the lead up to the opener before Begovic allowed Ayoze Perez's centre to squirm through his grasp for the second.

Howe said: "He is an outstanding goalkeeper and has had a really good season for us.

"The life of a goalkeeper is a difficult one and any mistake you make is highlighted.

"But he has been good for us this season so I back him to recover."

Asked how his staff dealt with players in situations like this, Howe said: "With a player of Asmir's experience, I don't think there is a lot you can do or say, it comes from within.

"He has had many experiences in his career, many highs and lows.

"It’s not the first mistake and it won’t be the last he makes in his career. That’s what a goalkeeper has to endure.

"But what he has always done for me, he has always come back from difficult moments and produced outstanding performances.

"That’s the mark of a true character, a leader within your group. Asmir inspires confidence in his back four so we are very happy with him."