MANAGER Eddie Howe has tasked influential defender Tommy Elphick with leading Cherries in the absence of injured Miles Addison.

Elphick has been handed the captain’s armband by Howe and will skipper Cherries while Addison bids to overcome a foot problem.

Summer recruit Elphick has started every game under Howe’s stewardship and deputised for Addison in Cherries’ FA Cup ties against Dagenham & Redbridge and Carlisle.

Howe, who skippered Cherries during his playing days, told the Daily Echo: “Tommy has filled in a couple of times and has led the team very well. We have been very impressed with him since we have come in.

“He has a really nice way about him and conducts himself very professionally. He trains very well, he is a vocal presence in the changing room and very much a leader.”

Howe, who appointed central defender Jason Pearce as Cherries captain during his first spell as manager, added: “In the main, my ideal choice would be a centre-back but not everyone is comfortable with leading people. It does take a special kind of character and we are fortunate to have two good men in Miles and Tommy.

“It is an important role and you are the figurehead of the team on the pitch. You do want as many vocal positive people on the pitch as you can. We have a wealth of experience with people like David James and Shwan Jalal in goal and we have some good talkers in the team.

“But not everyone will want to be vocal and you have got different personalities. It is good to have a blend and I have been impressed with that blend so far.”