CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe believes Joe Partington has an “important role” to play next term after the homegrown prospect decided to stay at Dean Court.

Partington – along with fellow youth team graduate Josh McQuoid – has confirmed his desire to continue his promising career in Dorset by agreeing fresh terms, in principle, with Cherries.

And Howe thinks Welsh youth international Partington, who is set to sign a fresh two-year deal, will prove a valuable asset in the forthcoming season.

“Joe is versatile and we may look for him to be involved in different positions,” revealed Howe.

“It’s up to him to prove in pre-season that he’s worth a regular place. He could play at centre-half or centre midfield, depending on how fit everyone is.”

Howe was also pleased that McQuoid, 19, agreed to a new one-year contract, adding: “He wasn’t involved towards the end of the season but he showed a good attitude and has a lot to prove in pre-season.”

The talented pair join fellow out-of-contract players Ryan Pryce and Ryan Garry, as well as captain Shaun Cooper, in committing themselves to Cherries, as manager Howe’s squad continues to take shape ahead of the League Two campaign.

Both Partington and McQuoid were used sparingly last term as Cherries battled to retain their Football League status.

But, having taken the chance to impress in the team’s final day thumping of Morecambe, the duo are both targeting regular first team football.

Midfielder Partington said: “I played a few games last season and maybe if the situation had been different I might have had more of a chance because I thought I did all right when I played.

“There was never any doubt about where I wanted to play my football.

“Eddie has put his faith in me and I want to stay for the next few years.

“Hopefully we can push on at the other end of the league and I’m really looking forward to it.”

Forward McQuoid, who made a mark on the international stage by netting twice for Northern Ireland under-21s against Scotland last season, is now keen to impress at club level.

“I think we’ve got a good set of lads and we’ll all be pushing for promotion,” he said.

Howe has offered fresh terms to all of the club’s out-of-contract players, a group which also includes Warren Cummings and Jeff Goulding.