BOSS Eddie Howe revealed new recruit Dominic Solanke would miss at least the majority of January due to a hamstring problem.

Cherries on Friday snapped up the England striker from Liverpool for a fee understood to be around £17.5million.

Formerly of Chelsea, the youngster missed Saturday’s FA Cup third-round defeat to Brighton. He could also be ruled out of upcoming fixtures against Everton, West Ham and Chelsea.

Speaking after the loss to the Seagulls, Howe said: “Dominic will miss most of January because he’s got a bit of a hamstring issue.

“It will be more February before we’re likely to see him in action but we knew about that because he’s been through all the medicals and checks.

“He adds a slightly different dynamic to our frontline. He can hold the ball up, he’s technically gifted, has a good physical presence and all-round he’s a very good player.”

Brighton boss Chris Hughton hailed forward Solanke as a fine signing for Cherries, while insisting the Seagulls had never been interested in signing the 21-year-old.

“He was linked with us but that was all,” said Hughton.

“I can’t say I don’t know the player because this is our game, he’s an exceptional young talent.

“Any player of that age and quality we’re aware of. But it was just speculation, nothing more. Having said that, Bournemouth have got an exceptional talent and I’m sure he’ll be great for them.”

Howe handed a start to full-back Nathaniel Clyne, who played 90 minutes on his Cherries debut after on Friday agreeing a loan move from Liverpool.

Marc Pugh’s goal proved only a consolation for the Dorset club, who fell to efforts from Brighton’s Anthony Knockaert, Yves Bissouma and Florin Andone.

Having seen Cherries concede 15 goals in their past four games, Howe vowed his players would graft in a bid to sharpen up defensively.

“These games always swing on small moments and the chance which came our way which we missed just before the goal was key,” said Howe.

“We’ve been easy to score against recently and that must change. We’ll go away and try to put that right.”

Cherries’ last clean sheet came against Brighton in the Premier League before Christmas.