Cherries: Captain Pearce gutted by injury (From Bournemouth Echo)

Cherries: Captain Pearce gutted by injury

7:00am Tuesday 9th March 2010 in

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CROCKED captain Jason Pearce described his injury bombshell as a “nightmare” but then backed his team-mates to continue the Cherries promotion charge in his absence.

The influential skipper faces a minimum of three weeks on the sidelines, with six weeks thought to be the worst-case scenario, after a second X-ray on his right foot confirmed a fractured middle toe.

Pearce sustained the injury in training ahead of the defeat at Shrewsbury and initial reports showed no break. But after further assessment on Friday, Cherries received news of yet another untimely injury setback.

It leaves boss Eddie Howe with just one fit central defender, but Pearce insists he has faith in his colleagues’ ability to stay on the right path without him.

The tough-tackling 22-year-old said: “I was so annoyed when I heard the news because I wanted to be part of the end of the season – and I still hope to be back.

“It’s a bit of a nightmare with all the important games coming up. But I’m out now and hopefully the team can still carry on and be a success.

“We have got enough in the team and, hopefully, we can win these important games.”

Pearce added: “I’ve got to take it on the chin and come back.

“I am really disappointed but I’ve got to get over it and support the lads, then get back as soon as possible.”

The verdict on Liam Feeney’s hamstring problem was more positive, with the winger sitting out Saturday’s win as a precaution.

Midfield pair Danny Hollands and Sammy Igoe eased Cherries’ numbers crisis by returning against the Shrimps.