JONATHAN Woodgate believes newly-appointed Gary O'Neil can "bring a lot to the group" following his arrival at Cherries this week.

O'Neil had previously been working as Liverpool under-23s assistant manager, but has swapped that job for a position as senior first-team coach at Cherries.

The 37-year-old, who played with Woodgate during the pair's time at Middlesbrough, featured almost 200 times for Portsmouth as well as turning out for West Ham, QPR, Norwich, Bristol City and Bolton before retiring in 2019.

The former England under-21 international holds a UEFA Pro License and began working with the team this week, including during Wednesday night's defeat to Cardiff City at Vitality Stadium.

Asked about O'Neil's arrival, Woodgate told the Daily Echo: "He’s someone I knew at Middlesbrough and he comes well recommended from Liverpool.

"He’s a very keen coach, wants to learn and can bring a lot to the group."

O'Neil is the third person to step into that coaching role at Cherries this season, a position previously held by Woodgate and Graeme Jones.

Cherries also added Joe Jordan to the coaching staff this week.