MANAGER Eddie Howe admitted he was looking for an “all-round improvement” from his squad after the upcoming international break.

Cherries have won four, drawn four and lost four of their top-flight fixtures this campaign – putting them on 16 points from 12 games.

The Dorset club suffered a 2-1 defeat to Newcastle in the Premier League on Saturday.

Quizzed on what needed to happen to kick on in the period before Christmas, Howe told the Daily Echo: “I think you are looking for an all-round improvement in every phase of our defending and attacking play.

“We still have a lot of injured players we’d love to get fit but I think we should be very positive going into the next group of games.”

Asked to describe Cherries’ season at present, the boss replied: “A little bit up and down, a little bit inconsistent with certain games – some highs, some lows in there.

“But we have to try to be positive, focus on the next one and try to win it.”

Cherries host Wolves at Vitality Stadium on Saturday, November 23.