Bournemouth captain Tommy Elphick has said that manager Eddie Howe will take no prisoners as he prepares his side to play Premier League football next season.

The Cherries have all but secured their place in the top flight, with Elphick and centre-back partner Steve Cook being the only ever-presents in the side this term.

Elpick has said that he experienced Howe's ruthless streak at the beginning of last season, and he expects the Bournemouth boss to give players the opportunity to make the step up.

"It will be up to us, like it has been every year. The manager will assess things and see where we are," Elphick told the Bournemouth Echo.

"If we are at it and as sharp and fit as we can possibly be then I am sure he will back us, like he has during the past couple of years. If we are not and someone is being sloppy or not pulling their weight then he will be quick to replace them.

"I know that more than anybody after missing out at the start of last season. It had been my first full pre-season after coming back from a long injury and I had a few niggles. He told me I wasn't ready for the first game of the season so I had to knuckle down to get back in."

Bournemouth beat Bolton Wanderers 3-0 on Monday evening to close in on promotion.