MANAGER Eddie Howe hailed the mindset of returning star Jack Stacey and said he gave Cherries a “different dynamic from full-back”.

Stacey made his return to Premier League action following a hamstring injury during Saturday’s 3-0 defeat at Burnley.

He had not featured for six Premier League games after being forced off with the problem against Brighton in December.

And Howe believes the 23-year-old’s comeback provides a welcome addition for the business end of the season.

He told the Daily Echo: “It’s a huge boost because Jack has done really well this year. I have been really pleased with him.

“When he was in the team early-season he improved every game and I was very impressed.

“He is very attacking, very athletic, gives us a different dynamic from full-back.

“When he is fit and available, he has been a huge player for us. I am delighted to have him back.”

Stacey has made 10 starts at England’s elite level this campaign, having sealed a £4million summer switch from Luton.

He registered his first top-flight assist when teeing up Dan Gosling to score against Arsenal on Boxing Day.

Quizzed on what aspects the defender had improved the most since his move to Vitality Stadium, Howe replied: “All aspects and that’s down to Jack’s attitude.

“He is one of those players you have to take off the training ground.

“He wants to be out there all the time. He wants to improve. He’s got that mindset that he has never done enough and I love that about him.

“That’s why he’s adapted so quickly to the level. He has made improvements in all areas in his attacking side, his use of the ball, his defending – which he had to do.

“Coming from League One is a big jump and he would have felt that initially.

“But I think now he’s feeling like a Premier League player, which he is in right and I now see a very bright future ahead of him.”

Quizzed on how much of an influence Howe’s work had on him, full-back Stacey told afcbTV: “Massive really. I think even from the start, the way he reviews training sessions - let alone matches - on areas I could improve.

“Then he would take me after our training sessions. We still do it. They call it one per cent stuff to work on, which can really help you when you go into games.

“You feel like you are ready and you know the way the team play.”