EDDIE Howe hailed the impact of Eunan O'Kane in Cherries' meteoric rise before admitting the midfielder had needed a move to prevent his career from stalling.

Republic of Ireland international O'Kane brought down the curtain on four glittering years at Vitality Stadium when he joined Leeds United for an undisclosed fee on deadline day.

The midfielder was part of the Cherries squad that won promotion from League One and the Championship, making more than 100 appearances in all competitions for the Dorset side.

However, injury and the impressive form of his club-mates limited Derry-born O'Kane's chances in recent seasons.

Boss Howe admitted the midfielder's contribution to the club's surge up the ladder had been significant and added he had been an invaluable member of the squad.

In an exclusive interview with the Daily Echo, Howe said: "Really, the decision has been made for the benefit of Eunan's career. If we can't give him that window to play, we need to make sure his career doesn't stagnate.

"I'm sorry to see any player go. Eunan has been a massive part of our recent success. He has always shown a great attitude and been a great team player.

"He's never moaned or been a disruptive influence when he has been out of the team.

"He has been invaluable to our climb up the leagues. He more than played his part going back to the Championship and League One days. He really did rise with the challenge of the level.

"We wish him well and hope he has continued success in his career. He leaves on very good terms, as all our players who have been here a long time have."

Howe's side will take on AC Milan at Vitality Stadium in Warren Cummings's testimonial this afternoon and the manager is anticipating a memorable occasion (4pm).

He added: “It’s an important game for certain players. We will certainly use it to spread the load around the squad.

“It’s a game we’re looking forward to, to pay tribute to Warren and also to host AC Milan, which doesn’t happen at Bournemouth every day. It should be a special day."

New loan recruit Jack Wilshere yesterday stated on Twitter that he was "looking forward to playing" in the game.

Meanwhile, Howe has named a 22-man Premier League squad for the first half of the season.

The total falls short of the limit of 25 players but clubs can use as many under-21 players as they want.

The likes of summer signings Jordon Ibe, Lys Mousset, Lewis Cook, Emerson Hyndman and Nathan Ake are contained within the under-21 bracket.

Full-back Rhoys Wiggins has been left out of the top-flight squad but he has already moved to Birmingham on loan until January.

Cherries' Premier League squad: Boruc, Federici, Allsop, A Smith, Daniels, B Smith, Mings, Francis, S Cook, M Wilson, Fraser, Gradel, Stanislas, Pugh, Wilshere, Arter, Surman, Gosling, King, C Wilson, Afobe, Grabban.

Under-21s (selected): Ake, L Cook, Hyndman, Ibe, Mousset.