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Brendan Rodgers return 'great for Premier League, says Eddie Howe

Bournemouth boss hails Rodgers, who is set to take Leicester job; Cherries will continue to be "brave" in their approach, says Howe, ahead of midweek trip to Arsenal

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Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe reveals how Brendan Rodgers spent a couple of days with him after a request for some advice

Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe says Brendan Rodgers' potential return would be "great" for the Premier League.

Celtic manager Rodgers is set to become Leicester's new boss after he was given permission by the Scottish side to speak to the Foxes over their vacant manager's position, according to Sky sources.

Rodgers is understood to currently be in Leicester after telling the Celtic board on Monday of his desire to leave.

Howe, who is the longest-serving Premier League manager having returned to Bournemouth from Burnley as boss in 2012, says the 46-year-old made a great impression on him when he was in charge at Turf Moor.

"I remember contacting him when I was at Burnley at the time,"Howe said.

Brendan Rodgers has won seven trophies in two-and-a-half seasons at Celtic.
Image: Brendan Rodgers has won seven trophies in two-and-a-half seasons at Celtic

"I just asked to come in and see him and he was absolutely brilliant with me. I spent a couple of days with him. I thought he was incredible.

"It's difficult (to discuss) until it's confirmed.

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"I'm a big fan of his, I would love to see him come back into the Premier League and have that competition with him.

"I think it would be a great thing for the Premier League if he did return."

Howe's Bournemouth take on Arsenal on Wednesday, still looking for their first point away from home against one of the league's top six this season.

Harry Kane makes it 4-0
Image: Bournemouth lost 5-0 to Tottenham on their last visit to north London in the Premier League

The Cherries boss says he will not alter his "brave" approach at the Emirates Stadium, despite those defeats.

"There have been moments in those games where we have been under par but they are immensely difficult," said Howe.

"You've got to get everything together within your game and maximise every chance you get. We haven't done that at times.

"The great thing is we have a possibility to change that tomorrow."

Alex Gilbey of MK Dons tackles Bournemouth debutant Jefferson Lerma during the Carabao Cup, Second Round
Image: Jefferson Lerma is suspended for Wednesday's game against Arsenal

When he asked if his players had been guilty of showing too much respect to their opponents, Howe replied: "Possibly the opposite. We try to impose ourselves in every game, with a clear game plan to win the game.

"We never go in not trying to show our qualities. We are brave and I believe that is the right way to go, but you need to demonstrate your quality in attack and defence."

Howe confirmed the Cherries will be without injured trio Junior Stanislas, David Brooks and Steve Cook for Wednesday's trip to north London, with Jefferson Lerma also suspended for the game.

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