BOSS Eddie Howe labelled Cherries academy graduate Sam Surridge as “the type of player that lives for scoring goals”.

The talented youngster has been sent on from the bench by Howe in the Dorset club’s past three crucial Premier League encounters.

Surridge was cruelly denied his first top-flight goal after turning the ball home against Southampton last time out - Callum Wilson was deemed offside following a VAR check.

But Howe insisted he has “loved” working with England under-21 international Surridge since recalling him back from Swansea in January – as well as comparing him to legendary Cherries goalscorer Brett Pitman.

Asked about Surridge, Howe told the Daily Echo: “He’s the type of player that lives for scoring goals.

“I always draw comparisons with him and Brett Pitman in the sense that they came through the ranks here and they have always had that shared mentality that they live for scoring goals.

“Whenever we train, his attitude has been absolutely fantastic.

“I have loved working with him in this period.”

Surridge had scored seven times in 23 appearances for Championship Swansea while on loan this season.

Before that, he enjoyed a fruitful spell at Oldham, which set tongues wagging and even attracted previous loan interest from the likes of Sunderland.

In his younger days, the Ferndown-raised star spent time at Weymouth, Poole Town and Yeovil.

Surridge could play a part in Cherries’ crucial Premier League survival mission when they go to Everton on the final day of the season on Sunday (4pm).

“He is improving, I will say that and, as a young player, especially coming from the youth team, you do not just become a Premier League player overnight,” said Howe.

“It’s a long, consistent process of improving certain aspects of your game every day and he’s really committed to that.

“I am really pleased with where he is at, at the moment.”

Asked about the comparison to Pitman while football was suspended due to COVID-19, Surridge told the Daily Echo: “Obviously he’s a great finisher.

“I watched him a lot when I was growing up – he’s done big things for the club. That was nice to see.”