Cherries: Elphick and Cook's key role over festive period (From Thisisdorset)
When news happens send us your pictures, video and views. Text BE to 80360 or contact us by email
Cherries: Elphick and Cook's key role over festive period
7:00am Thursday 6th December 2012 in Latest Sport
By Neil Perrett
MR CONSISTENT: Cherries defender Tommy Elphick (left)
BOSS Eddie Howe is backing defensive duo Tommy Elphick and Steve Cook to maintain their impressive partnership after Miles Addison was all but ruled out of Cherries’ hectic festive programme.
Skipper Addison, who has missed just two games this season, is expected to be sidelined for three to four weeks due to a foot injury. The 24-year-old has been wearing an air-cast boot after a scan revealed the extent of the damage.
Addison’s absence could leave Cherries thin on the ground for central defensive cover during the busy Christmas and New Year period with Stephane Zubar also struggling with an injury.
Midfielder Joe Partington and right-back Simon Francis have both previously filled in at the heart of defence, while another option for Howe would be to recall left-back Jon Meades from a loan spell at AFC Wimbledon.
Cook, who deputised at right-back for Francis during the 1-0 win at Doncaster last month, replaced Addison for Cherries’ FA Cup wins over Dagenham and Carlisle.
The 21-year-old, who was one of the few shining lights during last season’s disappointing campaign, has turned in three assured displays under Howe and has forged a solid pairing with former Brighton team-mate Elphick.
Howe told the Daily Echo: “Cookie has only played three games for us but has done well in all of them, while Tommy has been a very consistent performer so, providing we can keep those two fit, we will be okay.
“With Miles and Stephane out, the dilemma would be beyond that. Joe Partington has played there in reserve games and has done well so is probably next in line. We have also got Simon Francis but that would give us another problem in terms of the full-back positions as we are not blessed with a lot of cover there. Defensively, we are a little stretched at the moment.”
Addison’s injury is not related to the one he suffered at Derby when he required a career-saving operation to have a surgical fixation of the navicular in his right foot, which kept him out for almost two years.
Meanwhile, Howe is also sweating on the fitness of Shaun MacDonald and striker Lewis Grabban ahead of Cherries’ trip to League One rivals Scunthorpe.
Midfielder MacDonald was forced off in the second half at Carlisle suffering from a dead leg, while Grabban has been having intensive treatment to a hamstring problem. Neither player has trained so far this week and both could be doubtful for the visit to Glanford Park.
Howe added: “We have got a couple of injury problems at the moment but these things tend to happen.
“Although we are a little thin on the ground in certain positions, that is what the squad is there for and we know we have players who can come in and do a job if needed. Also, we have got a couple of versatile players who can cover different positions and that is a really good thing to have within the squad.”
Comments(16)
Frankiesbackfromhollywood
says...
7:45am Thu 6 Dec 12
boyerboy
says...
8:24am Thu 6 Dec 12
TedMacsCherryPants
says...
9:01am Thu 6 Dec 12
Good luck oop there boys, it will be interested to see a Cook-Elphick pairing develop as I'm sure it will. Agree hope Shaun recovers quickly and there are a few very good players who could step in for Grabben.
UTC - 3pts on Saturday!
Afcbpete
says...
10:31am Thu 6 Dec 12
TedMacsCherryPants wrote:and I was Oooopp there living in Grimsby and working a few days a week in Scunny. Admittedly I was only there for about 3 months, but I found it the opposite, well, almost. Although certainly delighted to get back down here. Cook and Elphick are certainly my prefered choice by far. 3 points could see us move up another notch... UTCIAD
I remember working in Scuny many years ago, dark, grim, cold and unfriendly place, even had my cigs and bic lighter stolen off the bar in a pub there, desperate place indeed!
Good luck oop there boys, it will be interested to see a Cook-Elphick pairing develop as I'm sure it will. Agree hope Shaun recovers quickly and there are a few very good players who could step in for Grabben.
UTC - 3pts on Saturday!
jontee
says...
10:43am Thu 6 Dec 12
.
I have said all along the squad was unbalanced and I think this shows it. Roll along January. Can't wait to see what EH does to sort it out a bit.
.
Have a bit of an uneasy feeling about Saturday's game. Would take a draw.
kangman2012
says...
10:44am Thu 6 Dec 12
Mike Oxbig
says...
11:13am Thu 6 Dec 12
kangman2012 wrote:Agreed. Let's just hope that Cook doesn't get a custodial sentance in January...... That could be why Howe persisted with Addison....
Personally I think the Cook/Elphick pairing is a no-brainier having both played together at Brighton. Let's hope they can cement their partnership over the festive period and we'll be rock solid at the back for the second half of the season. 3 points on Saturday boys - UTC!
TedMacsCherryPants
says...
11:37am Thu 6 Dec 12
Afcbpete wrote:1st impressions and all that...looking forward to seeing Cookie get stuck in...COYR!
TedMacsCherryPants wrote: I remember working in Scuny many years ago, dark, grim, cold and unfriendly place, even had my cigs and bic lighter stolen off the bar in a pub there, desperate place indeed! Good luck oop there boys, it will be interested to see a Cook-Elphick pairing develop as I'm sure it will. Agree hope Shaun recovers quickly and there are a few very good players who could step in for Grabben. UTC - 3pts on Saturday!and I was Oooopp there living in Grimsby and working a few days a week in Scunny. Admittedly I was only there for about 3 months, but I found it the opposite, well, almost. Although certainly delighted to get back down here. Cook and Elphick are certainly my prefered choice by far. 3 points could see us move up another notch... UTCIAD
East Stand Steve
says...
11:43am Thu 6 Dec 12
Frankiesbackfromhollywood
says...
11:55am Thu 6 Dec 12
East Stand Steve wrote:Dead leg, not the kind you get of your uncle but the very stiff muscle injury that prevents you from walking, he'll be chomping at the bit to be fit, especially as he is in such good form!!
Dead leg? Give it a rub, son, and run it off. Bert Trautmann played on with a broken neck! I don't know, footballers today etc, etc.
Afcblees
says...
12:47pm Thu 6 Dec 12
Afcb4life
says...
2:05pm Thu 6 Dec 12
STEADY EDDIE 1 for the road
says...
3:12pm Thu 6 Dec 12
smhinto
says...
6:57pm Thu 6 Dec 12
.
However, I have said before that when the run does end, and it will, it is invariably always against someone you least expect. i.e a struggling side.
.
Unfortunately, It could come this weekend at Scunthorpe.
.
This is due to the fact that we are possibly (unless this all pre match hype) without Grabban and Macdonald who have performed well for Ed and Jason. In addition, we ar short of options if a further injury occurs on the field.
.
Secondly, Mr Wilcox will know our strengths and weknesses through his time here and he is not a stupid man.
.
Thirdly, we are away from home.
.
Food for thought folks
.
Regards
STEADY EDDIE 1 for the road
says...
11:15pm Thu 6 Dec 12
smhinto wrote:Same could have been said before notts county, calisle twice, donny, & bury so bring em on. I take it you will be there as its on your doorstep.???. Food for thought.
We have been doing superbly since Eddie and Jason have returned. I have been well impressed.
.
However, I have said before that when the run does end, and it will, it is invariably always against someone you least expect. i.e a struggling side.
.
Unfortunately, It could come this weekend at Scunthorpe.
.
This is due to the fact that we are possibly (unless this all pre match hype) without Grabban and Macdonald who have performed well for Ed and Jason. In addition, we ar short of options if a further injury occurs on the field.
.
Secondly, Mr Wilcox will know our strengths and weknesses through his time here and he is not a stupid man.
.
Thirdly, we are away from home.
.
Food for thought folks
.
Regards
Mike Oxbig says...
7:34am Thu 6 Dec 12