Atsu finally makes Bournemouth debut

Black Stars winger Christian Atsu marked his competitive debut for Bournemouth and helped them to a decent 4-0 win over Hartlepool on Tuesday night.

The Chelsea loanee, 23, had missed all of Bournemouth’s opening games of the Premier League due to a back injury but he recovered to play 75 minutes of their triumph over the lower-tier side.

A Junior Stanislas brace and single contributions from Dan Gosling and Yann Kermorgant ensured that Eddie Howe’s men progressed to the next round.

Atsu’s recovery and appearances will come as good news for Ghana coach Avram Grant who is expected to name his squad for the 2017 AFCON qualifier against Rwanda next month.

Ed Howe is expected to name Atsu in his squad to face in-form Leicester City at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday.