EDDIE Howe revealed an impressive performance from Joshua King on the left wing against Cherries six years ago had sparked interest for the Dorset club to sign him.

Normally a centre forward, King has operated on the flank for the Dorset club during their past four Premier League games to accommodate fellow frontman Dominic Solanke in Howe’s starting XI.

The Oslo-born star, Cherries’ record Premier League scorer, insisted he would “do a job” out wide in an interview with Sky Sports last month.

But Howe revealed it was actually playing in a wide position that King, who he signed from Blackburn in 2015, originally caught his eye.

The former Manchester United youngster provided two assists for Blackburn against Howe’s men at Vitality Stadium in 2013.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “One of the reasons we signed him (King) was his performance against us for Blackburn playing left-wing, when he gave us a torrid afternoon here a few years ago.

“That’s when he rose to prominence in my thoughts and I kept track of his career.

“I’ve always known Josh can play there and play very well.

“I know Josh will always consider himself a central player, it was us who played him there (centrally) on a regular basis.

“But it’s nice to be able to tinker the team and players to have versatility. It’s benefitted the team, that change.”

Asked whether he felt he could keep the 27-year-old happy playing him out wide, Howe replied: “As long as he’s feeling he’s getting the ball and contributing to the team in a positive way, I don’t think he’ll have a problem.

“He had a goal disallowed against Southampton, he scored against West Ham.

“As long as he’s feeling he has a chance to score, then any player with that mentality will be happy.”

Speaking further on Sky about playing out wide, King said: "Obviously I’m a centre-forward but I’m a team player.

“I grew up at United playing 4-3-3 in the ressies and at Blackburn I played out wide as well.

“Coming here, I have had a few seasons up front and a few seasons at number 10.

“When the manager asks me to play out wide, I do a job, anything for the team – but it is harder.”