Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has backed Jack Wilshere to return to the England squad should he remain fit and in form with the Cherries.

Wilshere is currently spending a season-long loan spell on the south coast after Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger allowed the midfielder to spend a year away from the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners player has already made four appearances for his new side, and Howe feels that he will return to the international setup should he do enough to stay in Bournemouth's starting lineup over the coming months.

The 38-year-old is quoted by The Mirror as saying: "He's one of the top technical midfielders in the country without a shadow of a doubt. If he's fit and firing he has to be high on their list.

"My most important aim is he performs well and makes a difference to this team like I know he can. If he can do that, and concentrate on his form here, then the rest will follow."

Wilshere is expected to feature when Bournemouth host Hull City on Saturday.