Bournemouth's Callum Wilson ready for Premier League return, says Eddie Howe
Wednesday 25 October 2017 07:55, UK
Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe is contemplating unleashing Callum Wilson on Premier League defences after the striker's match-winning return from injury.
Striker Wilson, making his first appearance since suffering knee ligament damage in January, scored one and made another as the Cherries booked a place in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals with a 3-1 victory over Middlesbrough.
Howe's men host Chelsea at the weekend and, given his impressive display against Boro, Wilson could be in contention for his first top-flight appearance in almost nine months.
"The biggest compliment I can give Callum is that he's played 90 minutes and it didn't really look hard for him, physically," Howe said. "I think his overall performance gives me something to think about.
"We've got competition in that area, for sure. I'll have a few sleepless nights, if everyone's fit, trying to pick a team and pick a bench but that's what you want. I was very pleased with him, he's done his chances no harm."
Wilson rolled in Bournemouth's second from the penalty spot in the 75th minute following Dael Fry's foul on Jack Simpson, before teeing up substitute Benik Afobe eight minutes later.
Defender Simpson, on his professional debut, had earlier volleyed the Cherries ahead, only for Boro teenager Marcus Tavernier to level with his first senior goal.
The result puts Bournemouth in the last eight of the competition for the second time in their history following a similar cup run in the 2014/15 campaign and Howe now wants to make more history with the south coast club.
"It's something we were aware of before [the game], we got to the quarter-finals before and went on a really nice run and it was a great moment for us, I think we were in the Championship at the time," Howe added.
"We're obviously looking to beat it now; last eight you just don't know what's going to happen. Obviously a lot will depend on the draw but very excited to be there."
