SIMON Francis insists the best is yet to come from Cherries hotshot Lewis Grabban.

Defender Francis believes the club’s leading goalscorer will continue to be a “real handful” for opponents as the season progresses.

Grabban has already underlined his Championship credentials by netting eight goals in the second tier following Cherries’ promotion from League One.

The 25-year-old saw his impressive start to the season rewarded when manager Eddie Howe last month handed him a new long-term Dean Court contract.

And Francis is tipping Grabban to improve as he gets more game-time at the higher level.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow's clash at Sheffield Wednesday (3pm), Francis told the Daily Echo: “If you were to ask any centre-half whether they would rather face a Nikola Zigic (Birmingham’s 6ft 8in striker) kind of player or a Lewis Grabban, I think they would probably rather face a Zigic type because you are not going to be turning your back and getting into races down the channels, where you can be exposed.

“Grabbs did that excellently against Reading and he had their two centre-halves not knowing whether to get tight or drop off. In the end, it was their downfall and Grabbs was involved in our two goals.

“It is important for him to keep doing what he has been doing, especially away from home because I think teams underestimate us and the way we pass the ball. When we get balls in behind and down the channels for Grabbs, he is a real handful.

“I remember seeing him years ago at Crystal Palace and Millwall and I always thought he had a lot of ability and talent. He had to drop down the leagues to get back up and he proved that he could play at all levels to get his chance in the Championship. He is taking it with both hands at the moment.”

Francis added: “He is young, fit, lives right off the pitch and is a good professional. I don’t see why he can’t kick on again, keep scoring for us and then you never know where it could take him.”