BOSS Eddie Howe says his summer recruitment has left him with a “nice problem” over his defensive selection for Cherries’ Championship opener.

Howe boosted his options by drafting in former Leeds and Reading left-back Ian Harte and experienced centre-half Elliott Ward during the close-season.

The Cherries manager decided to strengthen his resources after being forced to play men out of position to cover injuries to his back four last term. Matt Ritchie and Wes Fogden filled in when Charlie Daniels was sidelined, while Tommy Elphick’s absence also disrupted the defence.

But with Harte and Ward joining Simon Francis, Elphick, Steve Cook and Daniels, as well as fit-again duo Miles Addison and Stephen Purches, Howe is confident he now has plenty of choice ahead of Saturday’s clash with Charlton at Dean Court.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “It has given me a nice problem. Last season, we were really stretched and the back four picked itself.

“This season, we could certainly have any different combination of the defenders we have and I think they are all good players.

“That is what you need when you step up to this level. You can’t survive with just four defenders.”

Meanwhile, Cherries continue to be linked with a host of possible striker signings as Howe ponders his attacking options.

Reports in South Africa today claimed that Cherries had made a bid for Malmo’s 22-year-old frontman Tokelo Rantie.

Rantie, capped 12 times by South Africa, emerged as a potential target after making a prolific start to the season in Sweden.

In an interview with the Daily Echo on Saturday, Howe hinted that he could be set to move for additional firepower following Matt Tubbs’s loan exit. But it is Howe’s policy not to comment on transfer speculation.