#PLStories- Cherries interim manager Gary O’Neil praises Dominic Solanke and Philip Billing #AFCB

INTERIM boss Gary O’Neil has praised hard-working Dom Solanke for doing the dirty work for Cherries, labelling the striker’s efforts off the ball as “absolutely massive” for Cherries. One-time England international Solanke opened his account for the campaign in the away victory at Nottingham Forest two weekends ago but was restricted to just two shots at Newcastle on Saturday. With Cherries on the backfoot and looking to hit the Magpies on the counter, the 25-year-old had to toil away out of possession, harassing and closing down opponents. Only Philip Billing attempted more pressures than Solanke, with the Dane edging past with 27 pressures compared to Solanke’s 26. Reflecting on how his striker has responded to the task of leading the line, O’Neil shared: “It’s hard for Dom. “I feel for him at times, but that’s the nature of the league. “We’re not going to dominate all of games all the time. “Dom works his socks off for me and you can see he comes off and we’ve not created loads of chances for him and he’s put in a load of work. “People that maybe don’t know, could underestimate how big Dom is for this group. “Absolutely massive. I couldn’t ask for a better number nine to go and face the challenges that we’re faced with.” In the absence of goals from Solanke, midfielder Billing has stepped up, netting twice in his last two appearances. Another player prepared to give it all for the side in terms of effort exerted, Billing also received praise from O’Neil. “And it’s nice, Phil has emptied the tank in every single game,” continued O’Neil. “I remember looking at him against Wolves to start with and then Nottingham Forest the same thinking ‘you’ve given everything, we’re going to need to get you off’. “He deserves his goals because he’s been brilliant since I’ve taken over.”