GARY O’Neil believes Cherries’ rotated squad proved his point about how all his players are “equally as important to me”.

The interim boss made nine changes for Cherries’ 4-1 win over Everton in the League Cup, with all four goalscorers drafted in from the cold to make an impact.

Jamal Lowe made his first start of the season, opening the scoring in the first-half, whilst fellow fringe players Junior Stanislas, Emi Marcondes and Jaidon Anthony all struck in the second-half.

O’Neil has been constant in his messaging surrounding players seemingly outside the first-team picture, stressing how he could rely on every member of his squad when called upon.

He told the Daily Echo: “I always say the same about them, they’re all very, very important to me.

“I’ve said that from day one. I know people may believe me, may not.

“They’re all equally as important to me.

“That shows this evening. I knew they could perform.”

With sweeping changes made and starts handed to players with little game time, there could potentially be the risk of a lack of cohesion.

However, Cherries were in control for large swathes of the game.

“So when I spoke to them before the game, it was like, I expect to be exactly as it always is,” explained the former Portsmouth midfielder.

“Because we’ve made changes, it makes no difference. It needs to look like us.

“It needs to be high intensity, we need to be good with the ball.

“There was so many of them that came out with so much credit.”

Cherries are in action against the same opponents this weekend, when they again host Everton at the Vitality Stadium (kick-off 3pm).

This time three points are the prize for a victory, with the two sides one point and one place apart in the Premier League.