SCOTT Parker believes veteran Gary Cahill is “going to be vital” for Cherries heading into the final 15 games of the season – both on and off the pitch.

Former England International Cahill has not appeared in Cherries’ last four fixtures, with a combination of suspension, injury, and form of other players keeping him out of the starting XI.

A Champions League winner with Chelsea, 36-year-old Cahill was dismissed for a second yellow late on in the 1-0 win over Barnsley, the last fixture he featured in.

Despite currently being kept out of the team by Nat Phillips and Lloyd Kelly, Parker stressed how important he thought the former Chelsea and Crystal Palace defender was to his side’s run in.

Parker told the Daily Echo: “Words couldn’t explain how vital he is going to be.

“Whether Gary Cahill is on the pitch helping us, or whether he’s off it, he is going to be vital.

“His voice, his experience, his nous, his understanding of scenarios and situations is going to be needed.”

Whilst Cahill has never experienced promotion, he has an impressive honours list thanks to his time at Stamford Bridge. In a seven-year stint with the Blues, Cahill lifted the Premier League twice, won two FA Cups and two Europa Leagues, as well as a League Cup win alongside the aforementioned Champions League triumph.

Parker believes Cahill’s record speaks for itself, stating: “As I said, on the pitch it is self-explanatory what he brings.

“Off the pitch, (he is) helping, pushing and being that calm head in a storm which may be around the corner for us, like any team in this division.

“He is going to be needed as well. So, he still has a massive part to play.

“I know he hasn’t been in and around it the last few weeks, one due to injury and him being out the team, but still a massive part to play.”

Cahill and Cherries visit Preston North End this afternoon (kick-off 3pm) off the back of four wins on the trot.

Currently second place in the division, Cherries have garnered 61 points from 31 games.