Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has stressed the importance of tomorrow’s visit of Shrewsbury by declaring: “They’re right on our tails.”

Paul Simpson’s side claimed a vital three points in part one of a double header against League Two’s pacesetters, defeating Rotherham 2-0 on Tuesday.

And Town face another important battle tomorrow with the difference between victory and defeat a potential four and 10 point gap with the Cherries.

That is a fact not lost on 32-year-old Howe who has prepared his side for a testing battle.

“Shrewsbury finished in the play-offs last season and they are a strong side,” said the Football League’s youngest manager.

“They are right on our tails and another one of the clubs circling behind us.

“The league is really tight and they come here with confidence after a good win against Rotherham.

“We want to put a performance on for 90 minutes and not just in patches and I think that’s going to be the key thing to getting the result.”

Bournemouth enter the game in impressive form on the back of a six-game unbeaten streak in all competitions.

And they have risen to second place in the League – one point behind leaders Rochdale – despite a transfer embargo because of financial problems.

That ban was lifted on only one occasion this season, when Howe was given permission to loan West Ham’s Anthony Edgar – cousin of Jermaine Defoe – for a month because they were only able to field two substitutes.

Bournemouth haven’t been without their injury problems for the opening half of the campaign.

Utility man Shaun Cooper and defender Scott Guyett have yet to kick a ball this season with hip and shoulder problems.

And midfielder Mark Molesley, such a key figure at the start of the season, is an absentee with a foot problem.