EDDIE Howe believes defender Chris Mepham has “settled in well” as the newest face in Cherries’ squad.

Snapped up from Championship Brentford for £12million last month, the 21-year-old made his Premier League debut when he came off the bench for the latter stages of last week’s 4-0 win over Chelsea.

Mepham revealed he had consulted Wales team-mate David Brooks ahead of his move to Vitality Stadium.

And the boss believes a familiar face will help the Hammersmith-born star fit in seamlessly.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “Chris has settled in very well. He knows David Brooks and I think it’s helped having that relationship.

“That person you know can just make you feel at home a little bit quicker.

“He has trained very well and showed a great attitude – I never felt that was in question.

“He can be very pleased with his start.”

He added: “One of the big things that struck me from coming here the first few times was how friendly everyone was behind the scenes. I don’t think that’s changed.

“The people always make the football club and I think he will have no problem settling in very quickly.”