CHERRIES boss Eddie Howe believes defender Steve Cook is a leading candidate for a permanent captain's role in the future.

Part of the set-up at Vitality Stadium since the club's League One days, Cook has evolved into one of Howe's must trusted lieutenants.

The 26-year-old skippered Cherries to Carabao Cup victory at Birmingham in August and also performed the role for the first half of the Premier League defeat at Arsenal.

Cook handed the armband to regular skipper Simon Francis at the interval, as his fellow defender was brought on for Tyrone Mings.

Vice-captain Andrew Surman was an unused substitute at the Emirates Stadium.

Asked if Cook would be a candidate for the role on a permanent basis in the long term, Howe said: "Yes, definitely. I think he is a leader. He has developed that because when I first worked with him, he was quite quiet and you would not have necessarily have said he would turn into a natural leader.

"But I think he is a good voice for us in the dressing room. He has led by example off the pitch for a long time. He is someone the lads respect and it is good to see him grow into that role – I think it's a natural progression for him."