CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe believes the impact of Benik Afobe has provided a fresh challenge to his team of attacking players.

Howe was speaking after watching Juan Iturbe, Josh King and Lewis Grabban all hit the target during a run-out for the reserves today.

Iturbe’s hat-trick, King’s double and a Grabban penalty helped Cherries register an 8-3 win over Leyton Orient in the Final Third Development League.

Roma loan signing Itube bagged his second treble in as many games for the reserves, while King looked sharp as he continued his comeback following a recent injury layoff.

Cherries’ record signing Afobe has hit the ground running since joining the club last month, netting three times in five Premier League outings.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “The challenge has been laid down and you have to rise to it or you will go nowhere. Benik has come in, done very well, scored goals and performed well.

“These reserve games are important and it was good to see everyone play well and get among the goals. It shows the quality of our squad. We are going to need everybody ready to contribute in the remaining games.”

King, who netted in the FA Cup win against Portsmouth having recovered from a hamstring injury, capped an impressive showing against Orient by scoring twice at the end of the first half.

Howe said: “I have been pleased with Josh all season and think he has really grown during his time with us.

“He has improved all aspects of his game and I see a bright future ahead of him if he continues in the vein he is at the moment.

“Josh has contributed in games when he has come on recently and scored against Portsmouth and Lewis is improving all the time fitness-wise. When you add Glenn Murray and Callum Wilson, we have an array of good attacking options.”

Howe also saw Eunan O’Kane and Ferndown-raised youth teamer Keelan O’Connell get on the scoresheet, while skipper Tommy Elphick had his first 90-minute run-out for four months.

Discussing Iturbe’s display, Howe said: “There is always a period of adjustment for any player when they come into this club because the other lads have been together for so long, they know each other and they know how we play.

“For any newcomer, it takes time, especially as Juan’s fitness levels weren’t quite where they needed to be. But he is improving every day and has been excellent in the two reserve games. Now he needs to take his chance when he gets it in the team.”

Although Cherries have received international clearance for new goalkeeper Marius Adamonis, he was not risked by Howe due to a minor injury.

Cherries: O’Flaherty, Lee, Elphick, Simpson, Butcher, O’Kane, MacDonald, Iturbe (Worthington), O’Connell (Buckley), King (Goodship), Grabban.