BOSS Eddie Howe is confident Shaun Cooper will be a “big part” of Cherries’ coaching set-up in the coming seasons.

The 35-year-old has just taken charge of the under-21s following Carl Fletcher’s shift into the role of loan player manager.

Cooper, previously assistant to under-18s boss Alan Connell and a coach of younger age groups, is due to remain at the helm until the end of the season.

Asked if the under-21s position would be reassessed in the summer, Howe told the Daily Echo: “We will see how Shaun gets on. We’re adaptable and are trying to produce the best product we can for the players.

“We will see what that looks like as we go forward but certainly Shaun is going to be a big part of our coaching set-up for the future.

“It has been quite a dramatic rise for him but a deserved one.

“Sometimes your best coaches are suited to staying with the under-14s but we’ve seen with Shaun that maybe he can coach just as well with an older age group.

“I think he’s got the capability to really improve and expand his knowledge. What we have seen from him is a great work ethic and a really high understanding of what we’re trying to deliver.

“He has a very good character. He is very level and very focused.

“He had a really good playing career and was a very talented lad. He suffered a few setbacks along the way with injuries and all those experiences will be invaluable to pass on to our young players.”