EDDIE Howe believes Cherries defender Tyrone Mings has the mental fortitude to come back stronger from his latest injury struggle.

The 24-year-old recently received treatment for a long-term back problem at Aspetar, a renowned orthopaedic and sports medicine hospital based in the Qatari capital of Doha.

Mings, whose latest appearance came at Arsenal in September, has since returned to Dorset and Cherries boss Howe is pleased with the defender's progress.

Howe told the club website: “It was nice for Tyrone to go away and have specialist treatment.

"We are pleased he has not suffered any setbacks at this moment in time. He is improving his workload every day, so he is going in the right direction.

"His mindset is good and he is a strong character. He has had a couple of serious injuries which have really knocked him, especially this one, which occurred when he was in the team and doing well.

"It was a big disappointment for him to pick up this injury. But he's made of strong stuff and has continually come in with a smile on his face. He is ready to fight every day to improve and to try to get back.”