CHERRIES utility man Joe Partington has joined Conference Premier outfit Aldershot Town on a month's loan.

The midfield man, who has been earmarked for a switch to centre-half by boss Eddie Howe, will continue his comeback from a fractured leg by turning out at the Recreation Ground.

Partington, 23, suffered the setback during a training session in April and has been limited to a handful of appearances with the development squad since his first run-out in a friendly at Oxford United in November.

Despite featuring in the first 13 games of Cherries' promotion campaign last season, Partington was used sparingly following Howe's return in October 2012, the last of his five brief substitute appearances coming against Wigan Athletic in the FA Cup 12 months ago.

Partington's deal with the Shots runs until February 1. 

Meanwhile, midfielder Josh Wakefield has returned to Dean Court following the end of his loan spell at Dorchester Town.