BOSS Eddie Howe urged defender Jack Simpson to learn from the “momentary blip” which led to him giving away a decisive penalty against Fulham.

The 22-year-old had replaced Junior Stanislas as part of a makeshift backline which ended up including four central-defenders on Saturday.

Simpson paid the penalty for a clumsy challenge inside the box on Cottagers skipper Aleksandar Mitrovic during the second half.

After referee David Coote had pointed to the spot, the Serbian frontman picked himself up to net the pivotal strike in a 1-0 win for the visitors.

Simpson’s appearance against the west London outfit was just his fourth at top-flight level.

And manager Howe believes the Cherries’ academy graduate has the ability to come back stronger from the error.

Asked about Simpson’s mentality, Howe told the Daily Echo: “Jack is very good in these situations. I think he is very level. The highs and lows, I think he takes both very well.

“It was a momentary blip for him and something he will learn from for sure.

“I had several disappointments in my career but it made me stronger and more aware of what can happen if you don’t quite get it right.

“I think that will be a good thing for him in the long run.”

He added: “It was a difficult situation for the team really, more than Jack. Jack was playing in his normal position.

“Initially we played Steve Cook at right-back and then Chris Mepham and I think that was difficult for natural centre-halves.

“I always found it difficult when I was moved wide. The pitch looks a bit bigger there, so it was difficult for the team to overcome that.”

England under-21 international Simpson became the first product of the club’s academy to start a top-flight encounter when he made his league debut against Manchester City in December 2017.

He has since gone on to face the likes of City, Brighton and Fulham at England’s top level this season.

A number of Simpson’s team-mates also backed the Weymouth-raised star to move on from the error.

Centre-half Chris Mepham said: “As a young lad you’re entitled to those mistakes as long as you learn from them.

“A couple of weeks back against Burnley I made a big mistake which led to a goal. We are young and we are still learning.

“Jack’s a good lad and I’m sure he’ll look to put that right. It’s just one of those things.”

Steve Cook added: “It was unlucky. No-one ever means to give away a penalty.

“Jack will be fine, he’s a very confident lad. He is a good guy and he will learn from it. I am sure he will go on to make a good amount of appearances for the club.”

Dan Gosling said: “He apologised but we’ve got to rally round him really.

“He might have just been half a second too late but we don’t blame Simmo. He did alright when he came on.”