BOSS Andoni Iraola says he does not see Marcos Senesi playing in midfield as a “long-term” option for Cherries, but admitted: “He can play in this position in certain moments.”

Centre-back Senesi was introduced from the bench for the final 14 minutes of Cherries’ 2-0 win over Lorient on Saturday, the club’s final match of pre-season.

The Argentina international impressed in his cameo display, providing a late assist with a deep cross for Kieffer Moore to head home.

With Jefferson Lerma and Ben Pearson both leaving the club over the summer and only Gavin Kilkenny returning to the squad, Cherries are light on numbers in central midfield.

That problem has been highlighted by Joe Rothwell slowly building up his minutes after injury and Philip Billing also picking up a knock during pre-season, as well as Ryan Christie, who filled that role against Atalanta.

Asked if he sees Senesi as a midfield alternative, or if it was just a one-off against Lorient, Iraola told the Daily Echo: “Marcos is very good on the ball.

“I think he can play in this position in certain moments, but we are not thinking he can be an option long-term.

“He has the quality, especially on the ball. He understands the game and he even gave an assist for the second goal.

“But it was because we didn’t have the numbers to make all the subs in the middle and he could help us on Saturday there.”

Iraola confirmed Cherries are on the lookout for reinforcements in that area, having seen a move for Gaetano Castrovilli fall down after the Italian failed a medical last week.