EDDIE Howe admitted he hoped the Video Assistant Referee system would not have a "huge bearing" on tomorrow's Carabao Cup clash with Norwich City.

The scheme will be fully implemented for the first time in a competitive Cherries match during the last-16 tie at Vitality Stadium (7.45pm).

VAR was trialled during matches in round two of this season's Carabao Cup and was also tested during the Dorset club's Premier League game against Leicester City last month.

Howe told the Daily Echo: "We will be discussing it with the players and, hopefully, it will not have a huge bearing on the game.

"Hopefully, the referee and his officials will make the right calls but if needed then of course it is a back up plan for them."

Howe said there were several aspects of VAR which he liked but admitted he remained sceptical over other elements.

He cited referee Néstor Pitana's controversial decision to award France a penalty against Croatia in July's World Cup final as an example of the system needing improvement.

Howe said: "The incident in the World Cup final would be the one which sticks in my mind – VAR being used but maybe not being used successfully.

"Until those things are ironed out then there will always be slight doubt."

In tomorrow's match, the video screen for the referee to assess any decisions is set to be stationed in the East Stand.

Howe said: "I don't think it is something the players will be too aware of until it is needed and that is where it will come into action.

"You can't change your focus in terms of what you do week-to-week based on VAR.

"I know it will be business as normal but of course when, or if, VAR is used that will be the only change."