ENTHUSED boss Eddie Howe believes attacker Lys Mousset is ready to make a big impact for Cherries this season.

Mousset gave his chances of Premier League selection a boost when he slotted home a fine opener in his team's 2-1 friendly victory at Portsmouth on Saturday.

That goal capped a lively hour's work by the talented Frenchman, who played the opening half of Cherries' first warm-up clash against Portuguese side Estoril.

The 21-year-old started the final three games of the 2016-17 Premier League campaign having previously been restricted to eight substitute appearances following his switch from Le Havre last summer.

And Howe has seen a sizeable improvement in Mousset since his arrival in Dorset, both in terms of fitness and his understanding of his tasks in the team.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “The biggest difference between Lys this season and last season is his fitness levels. He is able to play at the intensity which we want now.

“Previously, he was not quite at the fitness level we would want him to be and as we always say, there is an adapting period for any player to fully understand what we want them to do.

“I think he understands that now.

“Technically, he’s very good and he’s very strong and very quick. He has all the ingredients to be a very good player."

Reflecting on Mousset's contribution against Pompey, Howe added: “I thought he did very well and I was very pleased with him.

"It was good to see him score, first and foremost. Goalscorers need to have that feeling."