Cherries boss Eddie Howe has reluctantly agreed to allow teenage midfielder George Webb to leave Dean Court.

Howe said he had “no right” to stand in the way of Webb, despite his departure further depleting Cherries’ threadbare squad.

Webb, who was on non-contract terms with Cherries and not being paid by the club, could now link up with Havant & Waterlooville.

A product of the club’s youth ranks, Poole-born Webb was handed his debut during Cherries’ 4-0 win at Morecambe on the final day of last season. But despite being elevated to the first-team squad, his chances have been limited this season.

Howe told the Daily Echo: “George’s attitude has always been first-class. He has got great desire and is very professional in everything he does.

“He has a nice demeanour and is a really positive lad. I hope he will be very successful in his future career because he is the type of person who deserves to do well.

“He has been with us in an unpaid capacity and has never complained about money. That speaks volumes of him. He has conducted himself in an exemplary manner and is a role model for any of our youth-team players.

“He approached me to express a desire to play first-team Football. I have no right to stand in his way and am not in a position to offer him a permanent contract, at this moment in time.

“Wherever he goes, we will continue to monitor his progress and the door will still be open for him to train with us so he can continue his development.”

Webb has been invited to line up in Cherries’ Football Combination clash at Swansea today and could continue to feature for the reserves depending on his club committments.

Meanwhile, Cherries are waiting to hear whether a request to extend Anthony Edgar’s loan spell from West Ham will be given the green light by the Football League with his first month due to expire tomorrow.

Howe said: “It’s in the hands of the league. I’d like to keep him because he’s a good option to have and will only improve.

“When you come on loan for the first time, you have to get to know what the manager expects of you and what your team-mates expect. I think Anthony is just beginning to realise this is a tough league so it would be disappointing to lose him just when we feel we are getting somewhere with him.

“I think he’s got a lot of potential and will go on to be a very good player so, hopefully, we will be able to keep him.”