Wednesday 26 September 2018 13:28, UK
Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe admits Lewis Cook can count himself unfortunate not to have secured a regular place in his side this season.
The midfielder was a key player for the Cherries last campaign, with a string of impressive performances earning him a first England cap in March and a standby spot for Gareth Southgate's squad for this summer's World Cup.
But with Bournemouth having made an impressive start to the season - they lie eighth in the table ahead of Monday night's game against Crystal Palace, live on Sky Sports - Cook has been limited to just 29 minutes of Premier League action.
The 21-year-old did play in the 3-2 Carabao Cup win over Blackburn on Tuesday night and impressed Howe, who admitted he has modelled his side this campaign on the one that beat Marseille 5-2 in a pre-season friendly.
"Naturally, he wants to play, any player would say the same. I think if he turns around and says, 'I'm happy not to play', there's a problem," said Howe.
"He's been unfortunate because going way back to the Marseille game in pre-season, we played so well I didn't want to change the team from that day.
"And then we've had a really good start to the season, it's been difficult for him to get his opportunity in the Premier League.
"[The Blackburn game] I think is his best performance. I think MK Dons in the previous round, he was maybe over-trying but [on Tuesday] I thought he was very good and he was a key performer to why we played so well.
"I've got some tough calls to make for Crystal Palace."
Watch Bournemouth v Crystal Palace on Monday Night Football. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Premier League and Sky Sports Main Event at 7pm.
