Cape Town - Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe has heaped praise on Tokelo Rantie, saying the South African striker has looked razor-sharp in pre-season training.
Rantie only managed to score two goals in 16 appearances for the Cherries last season, leading to suggestions he may not be able to make the step up to the Premier League.
However, the 24-year-old has been very impressive throughout the club's preparations for the upcoming season, scoring a goal and providing the assist for another in their 4-1 win over Philadelphia Union.
"Tokelo has followed on from where he has been at in training. He has looked razor-sharp, strong and certain aspects of his game have really come on," Howe told Bournemouth's website.
"We were really pleased for him to get on the scoresheet and get an assist and it was a good night for him.
"It has been a joy to see him mix with the players this week because it is one of the only times we have been able to bring him with us - usually he is away with South Africa.
"Hopefully, he will now feel more integrated with the squad than he ever has which can only help his form on the pitch," Howe concluded.