EDDIE Howe described as “great signs” for Cherries Nathan Ake’s performance as a makeshift left-back.

Ake was tasked with the full-back role in last weekend’s 5-0 victory at Brighton.

With Diego Rico and Charlie Daniels both ruled out with injuries, boss Howe decided to field the Netherlands international on the left of a back four for the trip to the Amex.

The former Chelsea talent was tasked with nullifying Brighton star Anthony Knockaert for 68 minutes before the Frenchman was sent off for hacking down Adam Smith.

Since joining Cherries, the 24-year-old has featured at the heart of the defence. However, during a loan spell at Watford in 2015-16, he featured at left-back in 27 games, while he has also played there for his country.

Howe said: “Nathan slightly moving position was faultless really, it was great signs for us.

“It showed Nath’s flexibility, versatility and mentality. There’s one thing being able to play out of position but another doing it willingly for the team – that’s what he did. There was no fuss, no drama, he said ‘yeah no problem’.

“He slotted into the position like he had always been playing there.

“He needed to show a really good mentality because Knockaert is a really good player. The crowd were on him as well, wanting a reaction or a late tackle, which could have put him in trouble but Nath being Nath he was very reliable and saw the game out well.”