Skip to content

Jack Wilshere backed to have 'massive impact' at Bournemouth

Jack Wilshere (R) vies for possession with Gareth Barry
Image: Jack Wilshere (R) vies for possession with Gareth Barry during Bournemouth's win over Everton

Eddie Howe has backed Jack Wilshere to have a "massive impact" on Bournemouth's season.

The on-loan Arsenal midfielder is yet to complete 90 minutes for Bournemouth but lasted 76 of Saturday's 1-0 win over Everton.

And Howe believes Wilshere's willingness to "step back in time" and join the club will benefit all parties before the season-long loan is out.

"He'll play 90 minutes the day that he deserves 90 minutes or he's able to play 90 minutes," Howe said. "I just want to manage his workload so that he stays fit.

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Bournemouth 1-0 Everton

"I think that's really really important for him and I think he recognises that the most important thing isn't Jack, it's the team. And I have to make the decision that's best for the team at all times.

"It's not a big issue for me because obviously if he plays like he did against Everton he's going to have a massive impact on our season."

Wilshere had offers other than Bournemouth's, and Howe said: "He's picked a very brave decision for me. He's gone to a smaller club, he's gone somewhere where there's not everything here, there's not everything done for him.

Also See:

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Post-match reaction from Eddie Howe after Bournemouth’s 1-0 victory over Everton

"It's slightly old-fashioned in the way that it's like a step back in time for him compared with the facilities and resources of other Premier League clubs and I think he deserves a huge amount of credit for that.

"I believe our environment can be good for him because the players work incredibly hard, they push themselves to improve and that's healthy for any footballer."

Around Sky