Brett Pitman insists he is indebted to Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe for showing confidence in him last season.

The 21-year-old finished the campaign as the Cherries top scorer with 17 goals - 13 of which came under the guidance of Howe following his appointment at the turn of the year.

Pitman, back in his native Jersey during the close season, told the Jersey Post: "I am indebted to the manager, Eddie Howe, who took over on New Year`s Eve and since then has shown real confidence in me."

Pitman has been linked with a move away from Bournemouth following his goalscoring exploits last season, but he added: "I am really happy at Bournemouth, I`ve been here for almost the last six years and have come to accept Bournemouth as my home."