CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe believes Junior Stanislas is starting to rediscover his best following an injury-interrupted first half to the season.

Stanislas, troubled by hamstring and groin problems, netted his third goal in six Premier League games when he opened the scoring against Tottenham on Sunday.

The 28-year-old, signed by Howe on a free transfer from Burnley in 2014, has been restricted to 17 top-flight appearances this season, including two as a substitute.

He returned in January from a four-week layoff and came off the bench to set up Ryan Fraser’s goal during Cherries’ 1-1 draw against West Ham at London Stadium.

Since then, he has started all six Premier League games and also scored in the 3-0 win at Chelsea and the 4-1 defeat at Huddersfield.

Stanislas, who has described the current campaign as the “most frustrating” of his career, hit the crossbar against Spurs just minutes before he drew first blood in the 4-1 defeat.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “Junior has quality and he showed that against Tottenham.

“Okay, he missed the chance but it was a really incisive counter-attack by us and it was good play.

“He then backed it up minutes later with a great finish off his left foot so I was really pleased for him.

“He has had his injury troubles this season but he is building back to his best form and is a big player for us.”