BOSS Eddie Howe was excited to see the return to fitness of summer signing Lloyd Kelly and said: “He’s an outstanding talent.”

The defender has been plagued by injuries having sealed a £13million move to join Cherries from Bristol City back in May.

Ankle and thigh problems have hindered Kelly’s start to life at Vitality Stadium but, having returned to training with Howe’s squad, he featured in a Premier League Cup contest against Nottingham Forest earlier this month.

Kelly, who was named on the bench in the Premier League against Brighton last time out, could feature for Howe’s men in tomorrow's FA Cup fourth round battle at home against Arsenal (8pm).

The boss told the Daily Echo: “Lloyd is a huge player for us.

“I’m really, really disappointed that the Bournemouth supporters haven’t seen more of him, because he’s an outstanding talent, a great athlete, can play a couple of positions.

“He’s got great potential. I think he can go all the way.

“Most importantly of course is he’s a great professional. He’s worked incredibly hard on his comeback this time and he’s raring to go.”

Despite playing for Cherries in the Hampshire Senior Cup, Premier League Cup and Carabao Cup, 21-year-old Kelly is yet to make his Premier League debut for the club.

He has been an unused substitute on five occasions, including games against Arsenal, Norwich, Watford and Manchester United earlier in the campaign.

Asked how he had coped with his injury setbacks, manager Howe replied: “I think he’s dealt pretty well because when you go to a new club, the worst thing you can do is get injured and not be able to show anybody how good you are.

“I think he’s managed to hold those emotions in and he’s worked hard to get back from both injuries that he’s suffered.

“That frustration and that feeling that he’s missed time, hopefully will serve as a greater incentive for him that, when he does come back, he shows everybody what he’s capable of.

“All you can do is use that to fuel your motivation levels to higher points. I’m very excited about his future here and keen for everyone to see how good he is.

“He suits the modern game in every way because of his athletic qualities, his technical qualities and his mentality.

“He’s one of the best young players mentally that I’ve seen coming through, that’s very strong and very driven.”