MANAGER Eddie Howe highlighted the importance of Lewis Grabban's unsung work and then tipped the striker to soon return to the goalscoring limelight.

Grabban has gone 10 games without hitting the net but Howe has moved to praise the 25-year-old's contribution to Cherries' run of four successive wins.

The frontman, who has 13 League One goals to his name this term, failed to end his drought despite some decent chances at Colchester on Friday.

Match-winner Brett Pitman took the headlines - but Howe was also impressed by Grabban's strong front-running.

“His general play, ever since I have been here, has been excellent,” Howe told the Daily Echo.

“It sounds silly for a striker, but he is more than just a goalscorer for us.

“He brings other people into play by the fact that he stretches the line so well.

“I can't be critical of him at all. He has been one of our star performers.”

Speaking at his post-match press conference, Howe added: “I am not too bothered about statistics and what everyone will say. He is an integral part of the team.

“He makes Brett play. His role in the team is to run channels and stretch defences and he did that very well against Colchester.

“He had two or three chances but we know that if he keeps getting in those positions, he will score. He has got 13 goals this season and it is not a bad statistic so we are really happy with him.”

Grabban is again likely to partner Pitman in attack when promotion-chasing Cherries host League One strugglers Scunthorpe tomorrow (3pm).

Cherries could be without Eunan O'Kane (foot) after he limped off in the first half at Colchester. He will be monitored along with fellow central midfielders Harry Arter and Richard Hughes, who both suffered knocks on Friday.

Howe said: “We love playing at home, especially on the back of a win and a really good win against Bury when the crowd were really good with us, really patient, and they certainly got behind the team. I am sure with our league position now, they are going to do the same again.

“We are looking forward to it. Hopefully, we can match the performance that we put on last time.”

Following their 2-1 victory over Leyton Orient on Friday, visitors Scunthorpe have concerns over defender Paul Reid (back).

Iron boss Brian Laws told the club's official website: “Nobody will be expecting us to get anything out of the game, only ourselves. So, from that respect, the pressure and the onus will be on them. But we have to be resilient and not be afraid of going to Bournemouth.”