BOSS Eddie Howe says Cherries will support Rhoys Wiggins through a difficult time after the defender went under the knife for the second time in five months.

Wiggins suffered a serious knee injury while playing for loan club Birmingham against Aston Villa in October.

Initial surgery did not cure the problem, leaving the 29-year-old back at square one.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “Rhoys has had another operation to try to get him to fully straighten his knee.

“His knee was locked at an angle that was not good for him – he could not fully extend it. He has had a procedure that helps him do that so now he starts his road back.”

Wiggins rejoined Cherries in February 2016, five years after leaving the club for Charlton.

A former Wales under-21 international, Wiggins also played for Crystal Palace, Norwich City and Sheffield Wednesday.

The left-back has not featured for Cherries since returning to Vitality Stadium and sustained his injury on his first start for Birmingham, having joined the Midlands outfit on a six-month loan in August.

“Rhoys is suffering a difficult time at the moment, that is why our thoughts are with him,” added Howe.

“We are there to support him. This is where the club and the people behind the scenes are really important, to support the players who are not able to enjoy their careers and play football, which is what everyone wants to do.

“It is very important Rhoys gets that support at this time.”