LLOYD Kelly revealed Cherries’ current squad was the closest-knit playing group he had been a part of and added: “Everyone wants the same outcome.”

Eddie Howe’s men have been decimated by injuries with the likes of Kelly and David Brooks yet to play a part in the top-flight this season.

Important players such as Joshua King, Nathan Ake, Adam Smith, Steve Cook and Arnaut Danjuma are among others who have also spent time in the treatment room.

But Kelly, who has been plagued by ankle, thigh and hamstring problems, insisted that although the squad has had wretched luck with injuries – they have remained united in their battle to beat the drop.

The 21-year-old, who is hoping to play a part if Cherries can complete their league fixtures, told the Daily Echo: “This is probably the tightest team I have been in. Everyone is so close-knit.

“Everyone wants the same outcome. You go into every game wanting to win.

“That’s the main focus and you want to try to do that as many times as you can throughout the season.

“Although a fair few of our players have been injured, there has still been that same togetherness and same mentality of everyone backing each other.

“Whether that’s the injured lads getting round everyone in the changing room before the game and at the end.

“Even injured lads are still sticking with the players on the pitch and making sure they can support in any way they can.”

Howe’s men returned to training in small groups last week for the first time in two months, with the season having been halted due to COVID-19.

They have not featured competitively since defeat at Liverpool on March 7. The Premier League's contact training proposals will be voted on by the 20 clubs at a shareholders' meeting today.

Still in the relegation zone on goal difference, Cherries have nine games remaining to secure their top-flight status.

And Kelly is confident the unity within the squad would show, should the business end of the campaign be completed.

He added: “With these last games coming up, if we get the green light, that’s all we have to do really – stick together and get as many points as we can to keep Bournemouth in the Premier League.”