EDDIE Howe declared himself pleased with his squad’s versatility and fitness levels – despite admitting that injuries had disrupted Cherries’ warm-up campaign.

In Cherries’ final first-team clash ahead of their return to English football’s second tier, they were held by Bristol City in a goalless draw at Dean Court.

Boss Howe took the chance to hand valuable game-time to a number of first-choice players, while also experimenting with his formation and personnel.

Midfielder Eunan O’Kane featured in an advanced role behind lone striker Wes Thomas, with Mohamed Coulibaly also operating in that position and out wide.

And Howe felt it was important to test his players’ flexibility ahead of life in the Championship.

He told the Daily Echo: “It is important and I think it is something that we needed to do, just to experiment slightly and play players out of position just to see if they are capable of adapting to different roles.

“We have got a good idea of our squad’s strengths and weaknesses and what works for the majority of our players, so I am happy with our flexibility. The lads have worked hard in that respect.

“When you carry a small squad, which we will in effect, to have the ability to turn your hand to several different roles is so important. It was important for us last season.

"We are going to need that again this season from more players because it is such a demanding schedule that we are going to have. With the league games and cup competitions, we are going to need everybody.”

Howe, who is expected to send a team made up predominantly of development squad players to a friendly at Salisbury on Wednesday, added: “I think the players, fitness-wise, needed Saturday’s game. There were several players that needed 90 minutes.

"From that perspective, it was great and I think it will have put them in a lot better shape. Some of the other lads just needed a little top up, so I am pleased with where the boys are at fitness-wise.

“In terms of the team shape, we have been hampered by the injuries. You would prefer all of your squad to be available for all of pre-season training because it is so important.”

Howe, whose men have faced high-profile opposition in the shape of FC Zurich, West Ham United and Real Madrid this summer, has seen the likes of Brett Pitman, Matt Ritchie, Ryan Allsop, Eunan O’Kane and Marc Pugh all spend time in the treatment room.

He added: “Unfortunately, we picked up a few injuries early on, in and around the trip to Zurich.

"That disrupted us a little bit because it meant it left us stretched and we, possibly, didn’t have enough players to cover certain games.

"But all in all, I think it has been a good test and, hopefully, there are no serious, long-term injuries and only short-term ones, so we will have our full squad in no time.”

In Saturday’s clash with Sean O’Driscoll-managed Bristol City, Bobby Reid twice came close for the visitors before Coulibaly’s sharp turn and low drive forced Frank Fielding into a solid save.

An excellent block from Cherries number one Ryan Allsop denied Joe Bryan after the break before the lively Ryan Fraser saw his volley well kept out by Fielding.

Cherries: (4-2-3-1) Allsop; Butterfield (Francis, 54), Ward, Elphick, Daniels (Harte, 66); Hughes (Fraser, 62), MacDonald; Coulibaly (McDermott, 79), O’Kane, Pugh; Thomas. Unused subs: Matthews, Stockley, Addison, Flahavan (g/k).

Robins: (4-4-1-1) Fielding; Maloney (Brundle, 84), Flint (Carey, 79), Williams (Fontaine, 79), Cunningham (Ajala, 84); Adomah (Emmanuel-Thomas, 54), Pack (Harewood, 81), Kilkenny (Wynter, 66), Bryan; Reid (Wagstaff, 54); Taylor (Baldock, 54).

Referee: James Linington (Isle of Wight)

Attendance: 1,760 (including 342 away supporters)