CHARLIE Daniels insisted fellow full-back Lloyd Kelly had been “so unlucky” with injuries in his first season at Cherries.

The former Bristol City man, signed by the Dorset club for £13million last summer, is yet to feature in the Premier League having been hampered by ankle and thigh problems.

Bristol-born Kelly has played for Cherries in the Premier League Cup, Carabao Cup and Hampshire Senior Cup this season but has been restricted to five unused substitute appearances in the league.

And Daniels, who is himself nursing a serious injury having dislocated the patella in his right knee back in August, expressed his sympathy for the England under-21 international.

Asked about Kelly’s injuries, the 33-year-old told the Daily Echo: “He’s been so unlucky.

“He got back and then it was just one of those things in training. I can’t remember how he did it, but hopefully he gets back soon.

“Then it’s just like any other challenge that I’ve had before (at left-back).

“I’ve got to come back fit and fight for my place.”