BOSS Eddie Howe believes skipper Simon Francis has “relished the competition” in Cherries’ squad this season.

The 33-year-old has been deployed at centre-half and right-back, playing 90 minutes in each of the past six Premier League games.

He had been left out of Howe’s starting XI for five of the opening six top-flight fixtures.

Francis made his 300th appearance for the Dorset club during Saturday’s 2-1 defeat at Newcastle.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “Simon has been a huge player for the club over recent seasons. He is very consistent and a big presence in the backline.

“He has relished the competition he has faced this season and is in a good place.

“He is of course the captain, is loving that responsibility and doing well with the added responsibility we have given him.

“He has been a huge player in our recent history and, hopefully, that continues for a long time.”

Asked how long his captain could maintain his standards at the top level, the Cherries boss replied: “He will be the judge of that.

"With his performances at the moment he looks very strong. He looks in a good place, physically.”