Cherries boss Eddie Howe believes his side's tough opening to the campaign will act as a good gauge of their League One credentials.

The newly-promoted Dean Court outfit could not have been given a more difficult start - with a trip to Charlton Athletic followed by the Carling Cup derby at St Mary's.

Charlton and Saints are ranked among the third tier promotion favourites, while Cherries' first opponents on home soil, Peterborough United, were in the Championship last term.

But Howe, who saved Cherries from relegation before leading them out of the basement division, is looking forward to his latest challenge.

He told the Echo: "We’re playing three of the top five fancied teams in our opening three games and it is going to be a real test for us.

"But one that will give us a good idea of how strong we’re going to be."

FOR CHERRIES' FULL FIXTURE LIST AND MORE REACTION, SEE TOMORROW'S ECHO.