AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has challenged new signing Dominic Solanke to become England’s star striker in the future.
The ex-Liverpool and Chelsea starlet moved to Vitality Stadium last week for a reported fee of £19 million, with Howe forced into activity in the winter transfer window amid a poorly-timed injury crisis.
However Solanke is not expected to make his first Cherries appearance until early February, with the 21-year-old currently recovering from a hamstring setback that had previously foiled a switch to Crystal Palace this month.
But when questioned about his new signing’s potential, Howe told Buzz News that Solanke should aim to lead the line for England in the future:
“That’s got to be his target when you’re setting goals in your career, with the age that he is and the attributes that he has.
“He’s done very well with the England under-21’s, he’s scored consistently and that should have whetted his appetite for what lies ahead. But obviously he’s got to be absolutely committed and dedicated, and make improvements every day to try and reach his target.”
Howe also explained that Solanke has settled in well, with the striker still in the early stages of his recovery from injury:
“We haven’t seen Dominic yet on the training pitch. I’m sure he’s settling well with the lads, in terms of the injured guys that he’s mixing with. But we’re keen to see him play.
“I think he’s been out on the grass, but that was only on an individual level. Getting the early stages of his rehab right will be important to make sure his hamstring isn’t a long-term problem.
“I don’t anticipate we’ll see him this month.”
Author: Dan Davis
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