CHERRIES manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that Joe Partington will miss the rest of the season after sustaining a fractured right fibula.

The homegrown defender suffered the leg injury during training yesterday and could be facing six to eight weeks on the sidelines.

Partington, who is out of contract in the summer, has been converted from a midfielder into a centre-half since Howe’s return to Dean Court.

The 23-year-old has been restricted to 18 appearances this term but Howe has been impressed by what he has seen of the versatile performer.

Boss Howe told the Daily Echo: “He had been fit since we returned and he had done very well.

“He has adapted to a new position very well and we have been really pleased with him.

“We would have had no hesitation in playing him if we needed him, so it is a real blow to us.

“Even though he hasn’t featured for us, we have been very pleased with his progress.”