Source: Bournemouth_Echo
Howe could call on Partington to fill the void
BOSS Eddie Howe has backed Joe Partington to display his credentials with the emerging prospect offering one possible solution to Cherries' selection dilemma.[LNB] Homegrown product Partington was called upon to fill in at centre-half when Ryan Garry was forced off due to injury in Monday's dramatic 2-1 victory over Torquay United.[LNB] The talented youngster showed his versatility by switching from central midfield, where he also started against Cheltenham on Boxing Day, to do a solid job alongside Jason Pearce in Cherries' back four.[LNB] Garry is rated doubtful and left-back Warren Cummings is suspended for this weekend's visit of Northampton Town to Dean Court, so Howe will be forced to shuffle his pack.[LNB] With Anton Robinson and Sammy Igoe also struggling to regain full fitness, Partington could again get the nod.[LNB] Discussing the youth team graduate, Howe said: We think he's going to be a very good player.[LNB] He's only just come back from injury and has had a lot of time out of action and has played two games in three days.[LNB] It's great credit to him coming through those games and I think there is more to come from him.[LNB] Once he plays more games I'm sure he'll show us what a good player he can be.[LNB] The absence of Cummings, following his fifth booking of the season against the Gulls, gives Howe a headache, with Cherries lacking natural cover at left-back in their wafer-thin squad.[LNB] It's a real blow to lose Warren, Howe told the Echo.[LNB] He's been very consistent this season and part of a back four which hasn't conceded many goals. It's unfortunate because Monday was the last game before the deadline for the bookings.[LNB] Howe could opt to switch to a three-man defence, with returning Scott Guyett available for selection after coming through the Boxing Day victory at Whaddon Road.[LNB] Garry has previously played on the left side of defence, while Robinson could come in at right-back, with Lee Bradbury moving to the opposite flank.[LNB] Howe added: We haven't got many options but we'll have to find a solution to it.[LNB]
