MANAGER Jason Tindall insists Jack Simpson still has a “big role” to play at Cherries – and will not be looking to loan him out any time soon.

The 23-year-old has played just seven minutes in the Championship this season, coming on in the latter stages of games against Coventry and Cardiff.

Cherries have also brought in Tottenham defender Cameron Carter-Vickers on loan, as added competition at centre-back.

The likes of Chris Mepham, Steve Cook, Lloyd Kelly and Diego Rico have all featured as part of a back three adopted by Tindall for the majority of this campaign.

Simpson did play 90 minutes in Cherries’ Carabao Cup contests against Crystal Palace and Manchester City earlier this season – but has been an unused substitute in the league on nine occasions.

Asked how big of a role he saw the Weymouth-raised youngster having this campaign, following the signing of Carter-Vickers, Tindall told the Daily Echo: “A big role.

“Cameron is obviously a right-sided player and Jack is obviously a left-sided player and Jack is very good as the middle man of a back three.

“I see Simmo as a big part of the future of the football club.

“I certainly really like him as a player and look at him as someone that, if I needed to at any time, I would have no hesitation in playing him.”

Former England under-21 international Simpson was the first graduate of Cherries’ academy to start a Premier League game – that came against Manchester City in December 2017.

But the defender has been limited to just 27 appearances since making his senior debut – only 13 of which have come in the league.

The centre-half had previously been linked with loan moves away from Vitality Stadium – but his only spell away from the club to date has come with AFC Totton back in 2015.

“I would’ve liked Jack to have had a lot more games under his belt and I’m sure he would be the same,” admitted Tindall.

“But he’s close to the team, he came on against Coventry, he’s been involved in every game.

“He’s someone that trains very well every day and someone that’s a big part of the squad.

“You know what football’s like - one minute you’re sitting in the stands, let alone on the bench, and then the next minute you’re in the team and you’re playing 15-20 games. It’s one of them.

“Sometimes you need a little bit of luck to give you that break or sometimes your hard work and persistence pays off and you get that opportunity.

“I’m certainly not looking to let Jack out on loan any time soon because I do feel he’s a big part of the plans moving forward.”