BOSS Eddie Howe has described Cherries’ Carling Cup opener at Millwall as “a very tough tie for us”.

Howe’s charges were paired against the Lions in yesterday’s first round draw and will head to the Den on Tuesday, August 11 (7.45pm).

Beaten by Scunthorpe in last season’s League One play-off final, Millwall were one of 35 seeds in the draw which was split into north and south.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “Millwall had a great season and were unfortunate not to win promotion to the Championship.

“They are a good side, with some excellent players and the Den is always a difficult place for away teams to play.

“It will be good for us to pit our wits against opposition from a higher league so early into the new season and I know it will be a very tough tie for us.”

Meanwhile, Howe says he is delighted with Cherries’ pre-season campaign, with Premiership duo Spurs and Fulham both coming to Dean Court next month.

Spurs visit on Friday, July 17 will see former bosses Harry Redknapp and Kevin Bond in the visitors’ dugout, while ex-Cherries loan star Jermain Defoe could line up for the Londoners.

Howe said: “It’s good of Kevin and Harry to bring a side down to play us and I’m sure there will be great interest in the match. Games like this against such good opposition can only benefit us.

“Spurs are a top side, one of the best in the country so it will be a good test for us. It should be a great occasion and you can only learn from playing against the best.

“Fulham had a fantastic season and proved themselves as one of the best teams in the country as well so that will be another great game for us.”

Cherries will also host relegated Championship pair Southampton and Charlton, with Saints heading to Dean Court on Saturday, July 11 and the Addicks three weeks later.

Howe added: “Although Southampton and Charlton were both relegated last season, they are still massive clubs.

“As everybody knows, Southampton have had a tough time of it financially but we’ve always had good pre-season games against them down the years so there should be a lot of interest in that game.

“Charlton will be our last game before the start of the season so that will be another good test. I think they will do well next season.”

Cherries are also due to meet non-league sides Poole Town, Hamworthy Recreation, Salisbury City and Ringwood Town, while a trip to Dorchester Town could also be on the cards.

“There are different reasons for playing the non-league teams as we have a connection with the clubs,” said Howe.

“The Hamworthy game has been going for a long time and we enjoy playing them and they have always been very helpful to us.

“Poole and Ringwood have both got links with our centre of excellence so we are looking forward to playing them.”

Cherries’ pre-season friendlies: 8 July – Poole Town (a) 7pm 9 July – Hamworthy Rec (a) 6.30pm 11 July – Southampton (h) 3pm 14 July – Salisbury City (a) 7pm 17 July – Tottenham Hotspur (h) 7.45pm 21 July – Fulham (h) 7.45pm 23 July – Ringwood Town (a) 7pm 1 August – Charlton Athletic (h) 3pm