CHERRIES manager Eddie Howe has hinted at the possibility of loaning out goalkeeper Ryan ‘Rocky’ Allsop next season.

Allsop endured a trying 2013-14 campaign when he was replaced as first choice by Lee Camp and also laid low by a nasty bout of glandular fever.

It was a tough time for the amiable Midlander who kept five away clean sheets and starred during a club record run of eight successive wins at the end of Cherries’ pro¬ motion season.

Signed by Howe on a free transfer from Leyton Orient in a January 2013, Allsop started

Cherries’ first 12 games last season but did not feature again after being sent off at Leeds. 

Understudy to Camp following his return from illness, Allsop will be one of four goalkeepers in
Howe’s squad next season.

And with Darryl Flahavan and Benji Buchel both agreeing new one-year contracts, boss Howe says their respective decisions to stay may allow him to give Allsop valuable game time elsewhere.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “We have a really strong team of goalkeepers who will hopefully push
each other on to better displays.

“Lee played the majority of games but Ryan was always pushing him and Darryl helped with Ryan’s development.

"At some stage, I might have to juggle the goalkeeping department to try to get Ryan games because, at his age, he needs to be playing regularly as well.

“Depending on how things go during pre-season, I would probably look to get Ryan out for his
own development.”

Howe said he was delighted both Flahavan and Buchel had agreed to extend their stays, the
pair set to pen new contracts once their existing deals expire at the end of the month.

Flahavan has been described by Howe as “a great role model for any young goalkeeper”, while
Liechtenstein international Buchel is seen as one for the future by the manager.

Howe said: “They bring totally different things. Benji had an excellent end to the season during a loan spell with Havant & Waterlooville. We believe he has the capabilities to be a very good
goalkeeper and just needs games and experience to show it.

"We are looking to move his career forward next season because we feel he has great potential.

“Darryl is an excellent professional and very good in the dressing room and on the training
ground.

"He is still a very good goalkeeper as he proved at Leeds last season where he was unfortunate to pick up an injury.

“He has the experience, professionalism and the right mentality to complement the other boys.”