BOSS Eddie Howe says Jack Simpson has been “desperate to show his value”, insisting: “I’ve no doubt about his ability.”

The 23-year-old was thrust into the spotlight on Saturday, brought in on place of the injured Steve Cook in the 19th minute with Cherries 1-0 up at Anfield, his first Premier League appearance since New Year’s Day.

But disaster struck just six minutes after coming on for the Weymouth-born ace, conceding possession to allow Liverpool to equalise through Mohamed Salah.

Sadio Mane then completed the turnaround as the Reds ran out 2-1 winners, leaving Cherries in the relegation zone.

Discussing Simpson’s performance against the league leaders, Howe told the Daily Echo: “I think once he settled into the game I thought he did fine, thought he defended well.

“It’s very difficult when you come on at that stage of the game because the game pattern and speed is set. You’ve got to get into that flow very quickly and I felt he suffered from that really.

“It’s more difficult as well obviously for him playing on the right-hand side rather than the left. I think if he’s on his left side he probably deals with that (Liverpool’s first goal) comfortably.

“So challenges for him but as a young player, they’re the challenges you’re going to face and this is the elite level, it’s the very highest level so he’ll learn from Saturday.”

Asked how much of a difference it made for Simpson as a left-footer playing on the right-hand side of the centre-back pair, Howe added: “It does to a player who is reliant on one side and Jack is.

“He’s got a lovely left foot. He is comfortable kicking with his right foot but it’s not as good as his left.

“So that’s a challenge for him and not something he’s done very often in his career, so that will be something I’m sure he’ll think about.”

Academy graduate Simpson, who was close to leaving Cherries on loan during the January transfer window, could now be set to play a vital part in the club’s battle to avoid the drop.

Cook is still waiting for the full diagnosis of the hamstring problem picked up at Anfield, while Simon Francis missed Saturday’s clash due to a knee concern. Lloyd Kelly is back in training, but has featured just once this season due to injury, while Chris Mepham is still a few weeks away following knee surgery.

Should none of that group be available for selection against Crystal Palace on Saturday, it would leave just Nathan Ake and Simpson as the club’s only two senior centre-backs.

Discussing the possibility of Simpson having a big role to play in the defining season run-in, Howe said: “It’s a big test for him and something he’s been craving for.

“He’s been wanting an opportunity to play, he’s been desperate to show his value. He may get that opportunity, who knows.”

Howe added: “I think he’s got a nice mentality. I think one of the best qualities that Jack possesses is his ability to rise to the occasion.

“In previous games we’ve put him in, really tough games, he’s performed really well. So I’ve no doubt about his ability and of course now he’s going to have to step up if needed.”