Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Cherries: Bright spark Symes too clever for rivals
SMART cookie Michael Symes is proving a handful for League One defences because of his intelligence as well as physical presence.[LNB] That is the opinion of Cherries centre-half Shaun Cooper, who believes his team-mate is causing headaches for the club's third tier rivals by combining size and strength with clever attacking play.[LNB] A summer signing from Accrington Stanley, Symes endured a frustrating start to life at Dean Court, predominantly because of a persistent shoulder problem.[LNB] But since returning to the starting line-up under new boss Lee Bradbury, the talented frontman has hit form to help continue Cherries' promotion push.[LNB] Having previously not scored since his brace against Exeter on September 28, Symes has overcome his injury woes to bag three goals in as many games, his effort against Huddersfield Town the 50th of his career.[LNB] Symes, who suffered a facial cut against the Terriers on Saturday, is likely to lead the Cherries attack against Sheffield Wednesday tonight (7.45pm).[LNB] And Cooper rates Cherries' seven-goal striker highly.[LNB] When asked about his colleague, the 27-year-old told the Echo: He is a good target not just aerially. You play against a lot of big strikers and their only target is their head. But Symesey wants the ball to his chest or his feet, is brave and shows for it all the time.[LNB] It is good for the midfielders and defenders to look up and see him wanting the ball. We can link off him.[LNB] Cooper added: I have played against him in training.[LNB] He is a big lad so people automatically assume he is just going to be going up for headers. But he is clever in his movement and is intelligent.[LNB] He has got a good touch and awareness and he can finish so he ticks a lot of boxes.[LNB] He has proved that he has caused a lot of defenders problems this year because of his intelligence and he would be a handful to play against.[LNB] Fellow Cherries defender Jason Pearce echoed Cooper's thoughts. The Dean Court skipper said: He has come back brilliantly.[LNB] He is getting fitter and fitter with every game he plays and is a right handful up there. He deserves his goals and he has done well.[LNB]
