Ghana playmaker Christian Atsu returned to action for English Premier League side Bournemouth on Tuesday night as survived a scare against Preston to reach the League Cup fourth round on penalties.
Atsu, who joined the Cherries on loan from Chelsea, has had little playing time since joining the club in the summer but played 80 minutes for the side yesterday.
An injury during the club's pre-season matches looked to have taken its toll as he has not played for the club in the Premier League since the season started in August.
He has now recovered from the injury and played for his country in this month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Rwanda.
Shaun MacDonald's looping header gave Bournemouth the lead but substitute Jordan Hugill nodded the Championship side level to force extra time.
The Cherries took the lead again through Marc Pugh's close-range strike before Daniel Johnson levelled from the penalty spot.
Johnson had the decisive penalty saved by Adam Federici in the shoot-out.
With this match under his belt, Atsu will he hoping for more playing time to force his way into the Premier League matches for Bournemouth.