EDDIE Howe tipped Jordon Ibe to end his goal drought after admitting the winger had played his part in sharpening Cherries' attacking edge.

Winger Ibe has yet to score for Cherries since joining from Liverpool in July 2016 but he came within a whisker of breaking his duck in the 2-2 draw at Brighton on New Year's Day.

The 22-year-old, who was keen to pull the trigger whenever possible, hit the base of the post at the Amex with the ball then bouncing off goalkeeper Maty Ryan and behind for a corner.

Cherries have scored seven goals in their past three Premier League games, with boss Howe admitting Ibe had proved key in the improvement in the final third.

Howe told the Daily Echo: "We lacked a goal threat at times in the early stages of the season. We played some nice football but lacked a cutting edge.

"In the past three games we've looked a totally different outfit in that respect and Jordon has played his part in that, as have the other players.

"That's going to be really important for us because you need your team to believe they can score at any stage of the game. I think we're getting that feeling back."

Ibe described as "very poor" his first season in Dorset. But the former Wycombe youngster has been much more prominent this campaign, particularly in recent weeks.

Asked if Ibe had given his best performance for Cherries at Brighton, Howe told the Daily Echo: "It's funny, I've said that after the past three games. I'm so pleased for him because it hasn't all been plain sailing since he arrived.

"There was a lot of hype and expectation and he has had to deal with that. But in the past few games, I think we've seen him get better and better and his confidence is growing.

"He has run at people and has shown he has lovely technique off both feet. How he hasn't scored in these three games, I don't know, but it will come if he carries on improving his performances like he has done."