Eddie Howe is excited at the potential of David Brooks after he netted his first Premier League goal in Monday’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.

Brooks curled a terrific shot off the underside of the crossbar to put the Cherries in front after just four minutes.

Patrick van Aanholt levelled for Palace after the interval with a thumping strike before Junior Stanislas converted a late penalty to give Bournemouth their fourth victory in seven games so far this season.

Brooks, 21, was recruited from Sheffield United in the summer and Howe feels he has the potential to be a force in the Premier League.

“He’s got outstanding technical qualities and I believe he’s a goalscorer in waiting – his finishing’s improving and it was a really good team move,” Howe said.

“The potential of his performances is huge. I felt he deserved to start the season, he was magnificent in the last friendly against Marseille and he’s stayed in on merit. He’s not been overawed by the Premier League.”

Victory against Palace ensured Bournemouth finally won a Monday night Premier League fixture at the sixth attempt and Howe is content with where his squad is going this season.

“We have confidence that we have a goal in us at any time and we have match winners who can turn the game. The togetherness and the spirit in the group is as good as it’s ever been,” he added.

Bournemouth are 3.40 to win away at Watford on Saturday. The Hornets are 2.15 favourites and the draw is 3.50.