Howe: Great to have Elphick back

AFC Bournemouth manager Eddie Howe was pleased to have stand-in captain and defender Tommy Elphick back amongst the team for the trip to Oldham.

Although Elphick was an unused substitute for the game, it was the first involvement Elphick has had in the team since sustaining the injury at stadium:mk at the start of February.

Elphick`s initial scan following the vicious tackle from Lowe had revealed just bone bruising and the defender wasn't expected to be out for long, but after he returned to training and continued to suffer some discomfort, the Cherries asked for a second opinion and a second scan showed he had soft tissue damage.

That meant a longer stint on the sidelines, but he is now back and ready for the end of season run in.

Howe told afcb.co.uk...

"During the week, Tommy was probably slightly ahead of Charlie, but due to our need to play Charlie, he did,"

"We haven`t got that pressure on us with the two centre halves doing so well at the moment. But it`s great to have him back because he`s the leader and the voice of the team.

"It was great to have him back in the changing room and back involved."

RednBlack Shack

Don't forget to keep checking the RednBlack Shack for great online deals and help to raise money for the AFC Bournemouth Youth Team.

It's easy to join AFCB Vital

With Vital Bournemouth you can win prizes just by having your say on the articles, polls and forums, click the link to register.

Click here to join in the debate on the club forum.