Fletch backs Symes to shine

26 January 2011 16:30
Bournemouth player-assistant manager Steve Fletcher has backed forward Michael Symes to rediscover his early season form and become a major part of the club's promotion push. Symes, 27, who moved from Accrington on a free in the summer, made a great start to his career at Dean Court netting four goals in his first six league appearances but since then he has struggled with shoulder and groin injuries. However, the former Everton trainee made his first start for the the Cherries in 15 weeks at home to Brighton on Saturday putting in an impressive performance. Fletcher told the Bournemouth Echo: "He was superb during that short spell at the start of the season and rediscovering that form has got to be his aim. "He has been in the wilderness for a while and it just seemed that every time he was ready to come back, something else cropped up. I know what that can be like and it's horrible. We want him playing because he is a massive player for us. "Against Brighton he held up the ball well and his link play was excellent. He will feel a lot better for getting those minutes under his belt and for being part of the set-up again. He is right back among it and now it is up to him to take it on. He can be one of our main players."

Source: PA