O'Kane: Hopefully I have now convinced Howe

AFC Bournemouth midfielder Eunan O'Kane is hoping that he has now convinced manager Eddie Howe that he can compete in a midfield partnership.

The summer signing from Torquay has impressed so far this season, but initially struggled to break back into the side following the dismissal of former manager Paul Groves and the appointment of Eddie Howe.

Under Paul Groves, O'Kane had been utilised in a diamond midfield four, or in a five man midfield, but under Howe he has recently been playing in a central midfield pairing in a flat four midfield.

O'Kane has revealed that Howe had told him what he needed to do to earn a place in the Cherries line-up and following his chance in the FA Cup away to Carlisle the midfielder has taken it.

O'Kane told the Daily Echo...

'...He said he didn`t want to have me as a luxury player who could only play in the hole or in a three.

"He said he needed me to prove that I could play in a two and that requires doing a lot of the dirty work.

"But he also said he didn`t have any doubt about my footballing ability, it was just the uglier side he needed convincing on. Hopefully, I have now managed to convince him I can do that and I will stay in the team for quite a while...'

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