BOSS Eddie Howe insisted skipper Simon Francis would still be “a huge part of our season”.

The 33-year-old has found his starts limited in the top-flight this campaign, only donning the armband from the outset on two occasions.

He captained Cherries in last month’s 2-0 defeat at Chelsea before regaining a starting spot at right-back during Monday’s 2-1 win over Crystal Palace.

Francis did a fine job of keeping quiet Palace dangerman Wilfried Zaha, who had three goals in five league games heading into the contest.

Only Steve Cook, Nathan Ake, Charlie Daniels and ever-present Asmir Begovic earned more game time in the top flight than the club captain last season.

But despite his lack of starting opportunities this campaign, Howe insisted his leader continued to set the standard.

He told the Daily Echo: “Your captain has to set the example of how to act and behave at all times, even through individual disappointments.

“Simon has been excellent this season, he really has. It was a difficult thing for him to be left out of the first couple of games as captain of the team.

“I am sure it would have been a new experience for him but he took it in his stride, took it really well and was very positive around the other players, which is hugely important.

“He did that and showed how to behave in those situations and I am really pleased.

“I thought he was magnificent on Monday. He really was very good.

“He was up against one of the best wingers in the league and together with his team-mates we dealt with his threat really well.

“He is going to be a huge part of our season.”

Francis is second in Cherries’ list of all-time Premier League appearance makers with 110. Only Cook has featured on more occasions.

“Since I have worked with him he has been the model professional,” said Howe. “He is very dedicated to his sport and has the attitude that he wants to improve – even now at 33.

“He of course has the flexibility and the athletic ability at his age to still play right-back, which is a huge compliment to him.”

Nottingham-born Francis in May signed a contract extension tying him to the Dorset club until at least 2020, by which time he will be 35.

While insisting he would not rule out playing past his current deal, the Cherries captain has also planned to start his UEFA A coaching licence – as well as continuing to grow his flourishing academy.

Asked whether he saw the former Sheffield United ace as a future coach, Howe replied: “I can see any of our players potentially taking that route if they want to and that has to be the key thing.

“To be a coach you have to really throw yourself into it and immerse yourself in the profession.

“Simon has made a good start with his academy, I think that’s a huge step and the rest is up to him.”