EDDIE Howe insisted it had been “natural” for Harry Wilson to take aim from outside the box – as the winger fired Cherries to victory over Aston Villa.

Wales international Wilson netted what proved to be the winner on his Premier League debut as the Dorset club recorded a 2-1 victory at Villa Park.

Signed on loan from Liverpool earlier this month, the Wrexham-born star unleashed a left-foot drive which deflected off former Cherries defender Tyrone Mings and past goalkeeper Tom Heaton.

The goal doubled the visitors’ tally after Joshua King had netted from the penalty spot with just two minutes gone.

Villa’s Douglas Luiz also found the target from range 19 minutes from time.

Asked about Wilson’s prowess from outside the box, Howe said: “I think that’s natural for him. I think he’ll do that without me giving him licence to do it.

“It’s a massive asset and strength of his so you wouldn’t want him to suddenly change that. I think he’s got to pick and choose the right moment.

“I think he did that today and obviously got a little bit lucky with that deflection, but I thought he played very well in that first half.

“He seemed like he naturally took up the positions we wanted him to, it’s a great sign for the future for us.”

Reflecting on the contest as a whole, Howe added: “It was a great start for us. We needed that lift I think after last week where we conceded a late goal and there was a real feeling of disappointment.

“But we responded in great style today. That gave us a platform to get into the game and show our best qualities at times in that first half.

“Then the third goal was always going to be hugely important in the match. We didn’t get it and we really had to show our steel in that last 15-20 minutes.”