Howe drops two selection hints ahead of Spurs clash & reveals brilliant response to 3-0 defeat
Eddie Howe has backed Dan Burn and Sean Longstaff ahead of Sunday's clash with Spurs - an early hint that both will start this weekend.
The boss believes Longstaff is a "hugely important part of our midfield", hailing his work in and out of possession; which he's described as "invaluable."
Asked whether he could change our usual back four, he questioned whether "one bad day" constitutes a change. After that, he went on to praise Dan Burn, feeling he often goes under the radar like Longstaff.
Many on social media are calling for Matt Targett to replace the 6ft 7' defender - who struggled badly in our 3-0 defeat at Villa - but Howe's comments suggest a reluctance to change things up ahead of such a huge game.
Howe also revealed how we've responded brilliantly to last weekend's setback, praising the players attitude in training. He insists there's been "no negative energy" and a real refocus on putting things right this weekend.
Here's what he told the press when asked about Burn, Longstaff and our response in training:
Howe on changing his defence and Dan Burn:
"I think it's a complex answer. I'll always pick a settled defence if I think it's the best defence to win the game. I've got no problems changing it but I don't want to make wholesale changes week in, week out and then lose the balance and solidity a settled back four has given you.
"I've got no problem with change. We have to believe the change is the right thing. This back four who have played together the majority of the season have been outstanding for us. Does one bad day constitute a change? I don't know.
"He (Burn) is an incredible player and person. What he gives you sometimes, you can't measure - similar to Sean. Similar quality that he brings the team and sometimes it's not measurable. We really value Dan in whatever position he plays."
Howe on Sean Longstaff's influence:
"I’ve always maintained he’s a hugely important part of our midfield. Both in and out of possession he’s a very intelligent footballer so I think a lot of his off the ball work goes unnoticed.
“On the ball he’s got a really good way of keeping the ball for the team which is an invaluable quality. He’s got an eye for a really progressive pass as well so he helps us go through teams’ structures.”
Howe on this week's response to the 3-0 defeat:
Training has been very good. The attitude of the players has been very good.
"They have refocused. There's been no fallout from the game, no negative energy lost.
"It's all been on the next game and making sure we respond in the right way.
