EDDIE Howe admitted it had been a “great boost” to have Jefferson Lerma back available for tomorrow’s trip to Huddersfield Town (3pm).

The Colombian international had served a two-game ban during fixtures against Arsenal and Manchester City after accumulating 10 yellow cards in the Premier League.

But with his £25million summer signing set to return, Howe is hoping to see Lerma at his “very best”.

He told the Daily Echo: “It’s a great boost to have Jeff back. Whenever he has been missing this season we have felt that absence.

“He is a real physical presence for us. I think he’s been excellent.

“He is another player who has come into the Premier League, improved, and is learning with every game.

“Naturally he plays his way and I don’t think he’s changed that. He had been unfortunate with a few of his yellow cards.

“That meant he had been on a knife edge of suspension for a period of time. That’s now out of the way so hopefully we can see the very best of Jeff between now and the end of the season."