MANAGER Eddie Howe insisted he had “no problem” with the length of the Turf Moor grass in previous seasons – as he prepares to head back to his former club with Cherries tomorrow.

Howe was asked about the playing surface at the Lancashire venue after Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta earlier this month claimed the “grass was long” and “they didn’t put any water on it”.

The Gunners head coach added: “Obviously, that’s not a very helpful thing to play football.”

Cherries make the trip to Turf Moor two points above the bottom three in the top flight.

And Howe had full faith the pitch would be “fine” against Sean Dyche’s side.

He told the Daily Echo: “I’ve got to say, I’ve had no problem with the grass when we have been there in previous years and I’m sure it will be fine.

“It’s very difficult for me to comment on the length of grass when Burnley played Arsenal. It’s a difficult one. I’m not going to get involved in that – we will go there and play the game.”

Cherries were beaten 4-0 at Burnley last season, thanks to a double from Ashley Barnes and goals from Aaron Lennon and Matej Vydra.

“It will be a very tough game. Whenever you go to Turf Moor you know it’s a difficult match,” said Howe.

“They have done very well in recent games, four (league) games unbeaten, it’s transformed their season.

“You know when you go there you have to be prepared physically and mentally for a tough game. We will go there in good confidence from our last three games and try to impose ourselves on them.

“Hopefully our quality will show.”