BOSS Eddie Howe admitted rising star Jack Simpson was “a lot better” than he was as a player after witnessing the youngster follow in his footsteps.

Like Howe, central defender Simpson has shot to stardom having progressed through the academy system of the Dorset club.

The Weymouth-raised youngster has put himself on the periphery of an England under-21 call-up having last month trained with Aidy Boothroyd’s Young Lions.

Boothroyd watched Simpson during Cherries’ 3-0 Carabao Cup second-round victory over MK Dons earlier this season.

The 21-year-old, who has been ever-present in the competition this campaign, could once again feature when Cherries host Norwich in the last 16 (7.45pm).

Howe represented England under-21s twice in his own career during the 1998 Toulon Tournament, playing alongside the likes of Emile Heskey, Jamie Carragher and Frank Lampard.

Comparing himself with Simpson, he told the Daily Echo: “I think he is technically a lot better than I was, without a shadow of a doubt. He has one of the nicest left foots I have seen from a centre-back.

“He has the ability to play any pass on the pitch, whether that is long or short he is definitely composed and is the modern-day centre-back.

“Considering he was a central midfielder a relatively short time ago, his defensive side has really improved.

“Sensing danger, being in the right position, aggressiveness to defend the goal – they are things that are all improving every day. I would say he is a lot better than me.”

Schooled at Wey Valley, Simpson made his Premier League debut in December. He played 72 minutes in a 4-0 defeat at Manchester City.

He is eligible for England at next summer’s European Under-21 Championship in Italy and San Marino – an experience Howe believes would be a huge positive should he earn a spot in the squad.

“It should definitely be on his radar and should be something he focuses on,” added the Cherries boss.

“When you are training with players and coaches of that calibre I think it’s a huge lift for your self-esteem.

“My last words to him before he went (to train with England) were to really soak up every experience you get and to try to use it as a fuel to harness your passion and make sure it becomes the norm.

“For me, it was a great thing and something I look back on with immense pride.

“Being around players like Frank Lampard and Jamie Carragher for me, at that time, was a massive eye opener.

“It was really proud at the moment when I got the recognition but I think it means more to you as you get older. Your perception changes.

“Of course, my career didn’t go on to hit those heights again and it was a sharp peak in my career but one I was very fond of.”

Simpson’s only senior goal for Cherries came on his debut in last season’s 3-1 Carabao Cup fourth-round win over Middlesbrough.