'We are going to need players to know their place is under threat if they don’t perform'

Cherries were boosted by the returns of Joshua King and Jack Stacey to the matchday squad for Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Sheffield United.

Junior Stanislas also got his first minutes since recovering from a calf problem.

Asked how important it was to have added options on the bench, Howe told the Daily Echo: “It’s a massive thing.

“We haven’t had the options to make changes to try to impose ourselves on the games.

“Competition for places is key. We are going to need players to know their place is under threat if they don’t perform.

“It’s one of the basics of football. I certainly think the returning three players will make a big difference to that.”

He added: “It’s a big moment for us to get Josh back.

“These two weeks will come timely for him to get him up to match speed – as with a number of other players we are trying to get back closer.

“That’s a real positive to take.”