BOURNEMOUTH manager Eddie Howe admits his side's recent form is a major concern.

The Cherries are safe from relegation but have won only two of their last 11 games, losing seven, putting added importance on their visit to St Mary's.

“We don’t want to go into next season with negative momentum,” Howe said. “The way we finish the season is very important.

"We have to go into Southampton and give a good account of ourselves, we know how big the game is for our supporters.

“Southampton have been in great form, done very well since the new manager went in there with their mentality, so we know we’re going to need to be at our very best.

“It will be a very entertaining game, I’m sure the atmosphere will be very good.

"We need to make sure we impose ourselves on the game and our last away game in Brighton will be a good platform, we need to match the intensity of that performance.”

Injuries to Junior Stanislas and Adam Smith leave Bournemouth short of options at full-back, with Nathaniel Clyne battling hamstring problems and Diego Rico and Charlie Daniels out.

Stanislas, 29, could miss the start of next season after undergoing an operation on a hamstring problem that is set to keep him out for three to four months.

It will mean a second consecutive pre-season on the sidelines for Stanislas, who has been beset by knee and hip problems.

Howe believes Junior Stanislas will bounce back from yet another injury blow in a rotten run for the winger. “It’s a big blow for him, a big blow for us,” Howe said.

“It’s been a tough season for Junior, a lot of injuries, a lot of setbacks, a lot of disappointments, but he’ll come back stronger, his mentality is very strong,” Howe added.

Stanislas was injured midway through the first half of last week’s 1-0 home defeat to Fulham, having been drafted in to the starting line-up at late notice to replace Smith, who was hurt in the warm-up.

It was only his 14th start, and 27th appearance, of the season due to his numerous setbacks.