MANAGER Eddie Howe backed Dom Solanke to “make a difference” for Cherries – with the frontman potentially on the front line of the club’s survival mission tomorrow.

England international Solanke could feature up front in place of the suspended Callum Wilson, when the Dorset club host Newcastle in a crucial top-flight clash at Vitality Stadium.

Since signing for Cherries from Liverpool in January 2019, Solanke is yet to register a Premier League goal in 36 appearances.

The former Chelsea youngster’s only competitive strike under Howe came in the FA Cup against Luton back in January.

But with seven games remaining to seal survival, Howe believes Solanke can provide a much-needed spark.

Asked about the 22-year-old’s frame of mind, Howe said: “Dom is good, a really good guy, I love working with him.

“I think he feels part of the team now.

“It’s very difficult for young players to come into any team that has been established for a long time and build friendships and relationships and feel right at home instantly.

“I always think for a striker coming into a new club as well, that feeling you get from your team-mates and around the club is a massive thing.

“It is difficult for me to speak for him but I think Dom would probably say he feels at home here now more than ever.

“I back his ability and I back him to make a difference.

“I’ve seen it in training consistently and I know when I see that consistently from any player that they have the ability to transform that into games.”

Solanke’s only top-flight goal came for former club Liverpool in a 4-0 win over Brighton in May 2018.

“I am sure Dom, from his side, is very keen to show everybody his talents and how good he is on a consistent basis,” said Howe.

“We see it close at hand, we see him train every day. He is on a journey of improvement and developing himself at this moment in time.

“But I have been very pleased with how he has conducted himself, how he’s knuckled down and how he’s worked behind the scenes.

“My wish is he just goes out, plays his game and shows his talents in his own unique way because he is a really strong team player.

“He’s got that mindset that he wants to help the team play better. If he does all those things I will be happy.”

Quizzed on the striker’s lack of goals for Cherries, the manager replied: “I think there will be lots of different reasons behind that but that’s not my focus now. My focus is on helping Dom give his best performance in this game

“I think he’s been hugely unlucky for a start. For me, his overall game is improving.”