MANAGER Eddie Howe believes Glenn Murray will add a “different dimension” for Cherries and is convinced Joe Bennett has “everything the modern day left-back needs”.

Howe sealed a permanent move for Crystal Palace striker Murray ahead of the closing of the transfer window and drafted in Aston Villa defender Bennett on loan until January.

Murray, who penned a three-year deal after a fee of £4million had been agreed, played a key role as Palace went on to comfortably secure their Premier League status last season following an indifferent start.

The 31-year-old returned from a loan spell at Reading when the Eagles were a point clear of safety in January and hit seven goals in their final 12 games as Alan Pardew’s team finished in mid-table.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “Glenn did incredibly well for Crystal Palace at the end of last season and was pivotal to them staying in the division.

“He is a player we have liked for a long time and he made an impression playing against us at Burnley during his Championship days. He made the step up to the Premier League and did very well last season with some very good performances.

“He will add a different dimension to our attack and to our frontline. He is very good with crosses, very good aerially and a real goal threat.

“Glenn is an out-and-out number nine. He thrives on being in the box and scoring goals and does it very well. His record in terms of goals to games is second to none.

“You need more than one number nine and we need competition for places in all areas of the squad. I felt we were a little light in terms of options in our frontline. Glenn adds several options in terms of partnerships and what we want to do in that area of the pitch. In this league, you need goals from more than just one player and we are delighted to bring him in.”

Bennett, signed by Villa for £2.75m from Middlesbrough in August 2012, was brought in due to uncertainty over the fitness of Charlie Daniels and Tyrone Mings, who both suffered knee injuries against Leicester on Saturday.

While Howe did not wish to elaborate on the condition of either player – or on Max Gradel who has reportedly torn his cruciate – Mings yesterday took to Twitter to say he had sustained medial ligament damage, although the post was quickly removed.

Howe, who is prevented by Premier League rules from signing emergency loans, said: “We couldn’t wait and assess them like you would normally. Waiting was not an option because that could have left the squad hugely unbalanced.

“We had to bring in a player and were delighted to get one of Joe’s quality. He is a talented player who first came to my attention playing for Middlesbrough. He is a player with a lot of potential and has everything the modern day left-back needs.”