VERSATILE Cherries star Simon Francis believes a permanent switch in position could help prolong his career.

Francis, who has been skippering Cherries in the absence of Tommy Elphick, has been a revelation deputising in central defence.

Since being asked to partner Steve Cook at Chelsea after Sylvain Distin had been taken ill, Francis has helped Cherries collect 11 points from six games and keep three clean sheets.

The 30-year-old has made more than 500 appearances since debuting for Bradford in 2002, with the majority coming in his preferred right-back position.

Francis, a bargain £25,000 buy from Charlton in 2012, has been a mainstay of Cherries’ meteoric rise from the depths of League One to the Premier League.

Crowned supporters’ player of the year in 2013-14, he has been ever present in the top flight this season and has missed just eight out of 187 league games since joining Cherries.

Francis will sit out Cherries’ FA Cup third round clash at Birmingham after picking up a one-match ban for his red card in the 0-0 draw at Leicester on Saturday.

He told the Daily Echo: “I started at centre-half as a kid but was moved out wide because I had a bit of pace and could get up and down the pitch. That was why I was pushed to full-back.

“But it has been a case of needs-must for us this season as we have had a few injuries. The manager put me in there and I have been thankful because I have enjoyed it.

“You don’t have to get up and down as much playing in the centre and you don’t put as much output within your body in games.

“I would probably say you have to be switched on more mentally when you play at centre-half but, physically, I am not doing as much running as I was at right-back.

“Moving there could definitely prolong my career but I still enjoy playing at right-back. Adam Smith has been in great form there so we are enjoying it as a back four as it is at the moment.”

Francis, a former England youth international, believes Cherries can push on during the second half of their debut campaign in the top flight.

He added: “We would like to improve from what we’ve got. We had a great December and end of November and have been on a great run of form.

“I don’t think we have played at our maximum every single week though. We can’t ask any more from the lads and in 90 minutes against teams, we have been excellent and played some great stuff.

“But without a doubt, there is more to come with the new signings and lads coming back to fitness. I have no doubt we can start to shoot up the table.”