Jermain Defoe will play a pivotal role in propelling Bournemouth up the Premier League table, according to manager Eddie Howe.
Defoe has struck just one goal in nine appearances this term since his summer move from Sunderland, and took a seat on the bench in the Cherries' 1-0 loss against his former club Tottenham at Wembley last weekend.
Howe insists Defoe remains central to his plans this term, however, starting with Saturday's trip to Stoke.
'Jermain's going to be a big player for us this season; he's going to have many uses, and sometimes that will be from the bench,' Howe said of the 35-year-old.