Cherries: Elphick return boosts promotion push (From Bournemouth Echo)

Cherries: Elphick return boosts promotion push

6:09pm Monday 18th March 2013 in Sport By Ian Wadley

CHERRIES manager Eddie Howe has expressed his delight at the timely return to fitness of influential figure Tommy Elphick.

The stand-in skipper was an unused substitute as Cherries registered a 1-0 away victory over Oldham Athletic on Saturday.

Elphick had been a frustrated spectator since being on the receiving end of Ryan Lowe’s horror tackle in Cherries’ win at MK Dons on February 2.

Prior to suffering knee and shin damage at stadium:mk, the central defender had played every minute of every game since boss Howe’s appointment.

Elphick’s availability came as part of a major double boost for Cherries with left-back Charlie Daniels also making his comeback at Boundary Park.

Howe said: “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 is great to have Tommy back because he is the leader and the voice of the team.”

Elphick, who missed all of last season at Brighton due to injury, moved to Dorset in the summer.

He has started 33 matches this term and is likely to be a key player as Cherries continue their League One promotion push.