MANAGER Eddie Howe insisted he made the call to leave out striker Joshua King from his starting XI against Norwich after the frontman “felt tired”.

King had been away on international duty with Norway over the past two weeks and played 90 minutes in both Euro 2020 qualifiers against Spain and Romania.

The former Blackburn star was introduced in place of Dominic Solanke after 62 minutes against the Canaries but failed to break the deadlock in the 0-0 draw.

King’s omission was the first time he hadn’t started in the Premier League since Boxing Day last year.

Howe said: “He played two games away and with the travelling and everything we had a chat (on Friday).

“He just felt tired, so we thought it was best just to introduce him from the bench.”