BOSS Eddie Howe watched emergency left-back Wes Fogden produce a faultless performance and then gave Cherries’ pocket rocket a rave review.
Howe lavished praise on the unsung hero after he had played a major role in helping Cherries register a 1-0 victory at Stevenage last night.
Having been recalled to his preferred position on the right flank, the 24-year-old was asked to drop into defence following Matt Ritchie’s injury.
With Charlie Daniels sidelined by a foot problem, Howe had turned to recent recruit Ritchie to fill the void on the left side of Cherries’ backline.
But after Ritchie suffered a gashed head against Boro, Fogden was tasked with becoming the latest man to try to make up for Daniels’s absence.
And the former Brighton trainee did not disappoint as promotion-chasing Cherries halted their five-match losing streak in League One.
Howe told the Daily Echo: “I think he has played right-back and in case we have a problem with Simon Francis, we have tried to mould him a little bit and do some work with him at full-back.
“Playing on the right is totally different and I am sure it would have been the first time he had played left-back.
“But you always need a contingency plan and I thought Wes was terrific in a position foreign to him.”
Fogden, who has made 13 starts in his 28 appearances this season, has forged a career in the professional ranks after overcoming major surgery during his early days at Brighton after being diagnosed with a benign tumour on his spine.
Howe added: “I love his application. You just have to read his life story to know what kind of character he is, how he fights and his attitude to life and football.
"I can’t speak highly enough of him. Even when I have left him out, his attitude and response has been terrific. He is a really valued member of this squad.”
Howe will be hoping that Ritchie is fit to line up at Oldham on Saturday after revealing that the ex-Swindon star might have been able to play on at Stevenage – but it would have taken too long to patch him up.
Ritchie, who had eight stitches to a cut above his eye, was one of three Cherries players forced off due to injury in a physical contest against Boro.
Winger Ryan Fraser sustained an ankle knock during the clash. Midfielder Harry Arter, who was carried off on a stretcher following the challenge which saw Stevenage defender Darius Charles sent off, will be monitored closely over the next 48 hours. Cherries physio Steve Hard said the Londoner had “severe bruising” to his right foot and ankle.
