Asmir Begovic backs Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe to take charge of his country one day: 'He is definitely ready for England'

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Eddie Howe is a future England manager in waiting, according to Bournemouth goalkeeper Asmir Begovic.

Despite only turning 40 last week, Cherries manager Howe, whose side face south coast neighbours Southampton on Sunday, has spent nearly a quarter of his life in the dugout.

Begovic has worked under coaches of the calibre of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte and believes Howe has the credentials to lead his country.

Asmir Begovic believes Eddie Howe (pictured) is a future England manager in waiting

Bosnian international Begovic said: 'Eddie has the ability and the mentality to go right to the top. I see him being one of the best managers in the world in the future.

'He's managed enough to be ready for the highest level when the right opportunity comes. He is definitely ready for England.'

Comparing Howe to Chelsea manager Conte, Begovic added: 'He is a little bit calmer but has a feisty side to him

'You don't want to cross him the wrong way and hopefully I won't be testing his patience too much.'

Begovic has worked under coaches of the calibre of Jose Mourinho and Antonio Conte

Despite being only 40, Howe has spent nearly a quarter of his life in the managerial dugout

Traditionally Bournemouth have been Southampton's poor relations but victory at the Vitality Stadium would put the Dorset side above their Hampshire rivals in the Premier League table.

Begovic said: 'This club can achieve big things. There is no ceiling. We want to keep looking up high and not look down.

'It has been a hell of a journey for the club and what they have achieved the last few years is incredible. The aim is to keep that going.'

Oriol Romeu will make his 100th Premier League appearance against the Cherries on Sunday

Meanwhile Southampton manager Mauricio Pellegrino has saluted centurion Oriol Romeu.

Romeu is set to make his 100th Premier League appearance and Pellegrino said: 'Oriol for me is one of the leaders of the club, of this team, one of the captains too.

'He is a good example as a professional. He is a player I would like to keep at the club. He is a team player on and off the pitch.'