SKIPPER Tommy Elphick is backing Glenn Murray to answer Cherries’ striking SOS as they look to fill the void created by Callum Wilson’s absence.

Wilson, who has carried the Cherries attack since joining the club in July 2014, is set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious knee injury.

The 23-year-old is due to go under the knife early next week after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee during Cherries’ defeat at Stoke six days ago.

While Wilson’s enforced layoff has significantly dented Cherries’ striking options, it will also open the door for other players to stake their claim for a regular place.

And having seen Murray deliver the goods during their time together at Brighton, Elphick is convinced Cherries’ new signing could be the man to step into the breach.

Elphick and Murray, who were room-mates during their time with the Seagulls, played together for three years at the Sussex club and starred as they won the League One title in 2011.

Murray, who replaced Wilson after he had sustained his injury at the Britannia Stadium, could be in line for his first start for Cherries when they host fellow Premier League newcomers Watford tomorrow.

Elphick, who has missed Cherries’ past two games with an ankle injury, told the Daily Echo: “Muzza has a lot of class and quality.

“Don’t get me wrong, he is a different type of player to Callum so we may have to adjust a little if he is the man to play up front in his absence.

“But that wouldn’t mean going long because Muzza has plenty of quality with his feet and he can bring other players into the game.

“He was a key figure in our promotion campaign at Brighton and also did the business to help Crystal Palace win a place in the Premier League a couple of years ago.

“But the thing that strikes me most with this situation is that when Palace were having a bit of trouble with injuries last season and looking for a number nine to score goals, they turned to Muzza. He was the man to step up to the plate for them so I am sure he can do the same for us if the manager calls on him.”

Elphick captained Cherries to a 2-0 win over Watford at Dean Court last season after the Hornets had been controversially reduced to 10 men.

Defender Gabriele Angella received a straight red card for hauling down Wilson in the first minute with Yann Kermorgant’s penalty and a Matt Ritchie effort seeing Cherries move seven points clear of Watford, the team they eventually pipped for the title.