EDDIE Howe is convinced Marc Pugh can firmly establish himself as an AFC Bournemouth great – and believes the mercurial winger is getting better with age.

Pugh turned 30 just days before he wrote a new chapter in the club record books by becoming Cherries’ 20th highest league appearance-maker.

The Lancastrian, one of Howe’s first signings following promotion from League Two in 2010, has played a total of 278 games since moving from Hereford.

A key figure in the club’s rapid ascent to the top flight, he was the only player to feature in 40 or more league games in five seasons between 2010 and 2015.

And although Pugh has had to adjust to Howe’s policy of rotating his wingers in certain Premier League games, he has taken the step up in his stride.

Pugh made a goalscoring return to the starting line-up when he netted the winner against Leicester in December and played his part in their recent five-match unbeaten run.

“Players have to be patient at this level,” said Howe, in an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo.

“The squad is strong and competition for places is fierce. There is more rotation than perhaps there would be in the lower leagues so Marc has had to be patient.

“But the key thing is that while that happened, he maintained his focus and trained well every day.

“He is always ready when called upon and that is credit to his ability but, more importantly, to his character and attitude.

“He has improved so much because of how he works and conducts himself every day. That progression to his game is still happening now.

“He is still evolving and adding new things to his game which are having an effect at this level.

“He is still improving and is such an intelligent player for us. The dynamics we have on the wings are really important to our game and he knows them better than anyone.”

Howe, who is 18th on Cherries’ list of leading league appearance makers with 262, believes Pugh could break into the top 10.

“I was so pleased for him to reach the landmark against Chelsea,” added Howe. “It is rare, especially in our era in the Premier League, that players will hit that mark so he deserves that recognition for everything he brings.

“He is one of the best professionals I have worked with and one of the nicest lads I have worked with.

“He is still a very effective player, even with our progression to the Premier League, and someone I really enjoy working with.

“I think he can go higher and make a lot more appearances. The difficulty for him is there are only 38 games in the Premier League but I think he can go on and he has more to achieve here.”