AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe hailed 'razor sharp' Jermain Defoe as his late leveller helped the Cherries secure a valuable point at Watford.

Speaking in his post-match press conference, the manager was relieved that Defoe's equaliser earned the visitors a point and felt the character of the group was shown yet again away from home.

ON THE PERFORMANCE...

I'm delighted with the point, it's a massive goal from Jermain and a massive point for us.

I felt we played well in the first half and we didn't reach those levels in the second.

It didn't look like it was going to happen for us but the character really shone through from the players - we needed one chance and it fell to the right man.

ON JERMAIN DEFOE...

He's not just an impact sub, he picked up a serious injury at a time when he was playing regularly, it takes time to get back to your best levels after an injury like that.

He's a massive part of what we're doing, today he showed his value as there's no-one else you want that ball to fall to in the situation.

He took it really well, Jermain has the ability to sense where the ball is going to drop - he's razor sharp as he always has been.

I thought he didn't panic, snatch at it and it was a finish of high class and it's a priceless goal for us.

ON THE GAME'S INCIDENTS...

Well I thought if either team would feel hard done by it was us.

Watford were making noises but it should have been a red card for our penalty, Prodl should have been booked in the first half which could have meant a second yellow in the second half.

There was also Okaka's elbow at the end, so it was difficult for the referee as there was a lot happening. Thankfully we got a point though right at the end.

ON WHETHER THE CLUB ARE SAFE...

No.

There's six games to go and we're desperate to get as many points as possible, no one knows what the marker will be to secure safety, but it doesn't matter.

We want to be the best we can every game.