THE Premier League’s record goalscorer Alan Shearer says Cherries will “have to rely” on Dominic Solanke if they are to avoid relegation this season, adding: “He’s got the ability.”

Solanke moved onto six goals for the league season with a brace as Cherries dispatched of Shearer’s old club 2-0 at Vitality Stadium on Saturday.

The 26-year-old has now scored 16 goals in the top-flight in his career, with six his best tally in one campaign, which he first reached last season

Shearer netted 260 Premier League goals, 47 more than his nearest challenger Harry Kane.

Asked what Solanke has to do to improve further, Shearer told the Premier League website: “He’s got to do that on a more consistent basis.

“There’s definitely something there. He’s got the ability.

“I know it’s difficult when you’re playing for a team that’s going to be up against it most weekends and that they don’t score many goals.

“But if Bournemouth stay up, then they are going to have to rely on him.

“It’s going to be his goals that keep them up.

“He’s a huge focal point in their team.

“It’s going to be difficult for them against the top teams, as it is for every team that are down there, but you’re going to stay up and score your goals against the teams that are going to be in and around you, the bottom half teams.

“I know Newcastle aren’t that, but they took advantage of Newcastle.

“He played really well and he’s got his team the three points.”