Stanislas using international break to boost Cherries fitness

Bournemouth midfielder Junior Stanislas has said his side will be using the international break to improve their fitness ahead of their trip to Stoke on November 19.

The international break comes after the Cherries surrendered a 1-0 home lead to bottom-placed Sunderland in a surprising result and Stanislas insisted the tough training continues despite some players’ absence.

He said: “As soon as some of the boys go away on an international break we work very hard.

“We work hard in a normal week but on an international break when there are no games there is a chance for us to get out fitness working and work on numerous things that need improving.”

Eddie Howe’s side lie 13th in the Premier League and will travel to the North West knowing that they would leapfrog Stoke City should they claim their first away win this season.

Dan Gosling’s goal in the loss to the Black Cats was the Cherries’ first in the three games since they hit six past Hull and Howe will be hoping his team can rediscover their shooting boots when they visit the Bet365 Stadium.