PORTSMOUTH have put the block on Eddie Howe lining up in Cherries' Carling Cup first round clash at Leyton Orient tonight.

The Premiership outfit have declined Cherries' request to field the 26-year-old on-loan defender at Brisbane Road.

Howe's place at the heart of the Cherries defence is likely to be filled by Shaun Maher.

Full story and reaction in today's Daily Echo plus an exclusive interview with Alan Connell.