SIMON Francis has backed the men vying for his first-team place to play their part during Cherries’ testing end-of-season schedule.

Francis has remained a regular presence in a rarely-changed Cherries back four alongside centre-halves Tommy Elphick and Steve Cook – who are both ever present in the Championship – and left-back Charlie Daniels.

And while the marauding right-back was quick to advocate the benefits of a settled back line, Francis acknowledged the quality Cherries have waiting in the wings in Adam Smith and veteran set-piece specialist Ian Harte.

Francis told the Daily Echo: “You look at the successful teams and a lot of the time they keep a settled side with a fairly regular back four because you need that unity and understanding.

“We have had the same back four since our League One days and it has been fairly consistent over the past few months which helped us to some good results.

“But that is not to say the lads who are on the bench cannot come in and do a job as well. The likes of Ian Harte and Adam Smith have done an excellent job when they have come into the team.

“We have a good squad and will need everyone during the run-in. At this time in the season, you need bodies. There are a lot of games coming up and everyone will be included at some stage.”