ADAM Smith has welcomed the signing of Nathaniel Clyne to bolster Cherries’ full-back ranks.

Although primarily known as a right-back, Smith featured on the left in the Dorset club’s past two Premier League games after his return from injury.

Liverpool loan star Clyne slotted in on the other side of the back four and the pair swapped roles during the second period of the defeat at Everton.

Asked for his views on Clyne’s arrival at Vitality Stadium, Smith said: “He’s a good addition to the squad. I don’t expect for me to be the only right-back, I don’t think you can have that.

“I knew the club had to get someone in and it’s good we have a lot of strength in depth now. It can only help us individually to have competition like that.

“Pressure was always there before with Franno, Diego and Chaz so nothing has really changed. It’s good for the squad to have competition.”

The full-back duo last Saturday played their part in Cherries’ first clean sheet in six matches against West Ham and on Wednesday could feature against Chelsea.

Smith's adaptability has proved a useful tool for Howe in recent seasons and the former Tottenham man added: “Wherever the gaffer wants me to play, I’ll play."

Howe swooped for Clyne after Simon Francis sustained a season-ending knee injury in the defeat to Tottenham on Boxing Day.

Francis was stretchered off at Wembley having fallen awkwardly as he attempted to challenge Son Heung-min.