BOSS Eddie Howe says Lewis Cook has been "unfortunate" to be left kicking his heels on Cherries’ bench.

The midfielder was a key performer for the Dorset club last term, making 29 appearances in the top flight.

But the England international has been restricted to just 29 minutes of Premier League action from six games this season.

The 21-year-old played 90 minutes during Tuesday's 3-2 Carabao Cup third round win over Blackburn.

Howe insisted the ex-Leeds ace had been left out of his top-flight starting XI because of his side's impressive 5-2 pre-season victory over Marseille and subsequent strong start to the campaign.

He said: "Naturally, he wants to play, any player would say the same. I think if he turns around and says, 'I'm happy not to play', there's a problem.

"He's been unfortunate because going way back to the Marseille game in pre-season, we played so well I didn't want to change the team from that day.

"And then we had a really good start to the season, it's been difficult for him to get his opportunity in the Premier League.

"The Blackburn game I thought was his best performance. I think MK Dons in the previous round, he was maybe over-trying but on Tuesday I thought he was very good and was a key performer to why we played so well.

"I've got some tough calls to make for Crystal Palace."