MANAGER Eddie Howe is pondering his midfield options – with playmaker Sammy Igoe the latest injury doubt ahead of Saturday’s trip to Morecambe.

The former Portsmouth, Reading and Bristol Rovers star is nursing a groin problem and is rated doubtful after sustaining the injury in the 1-0 victory over Shrewsbury Town.

Should Igoe fail to recover in time, it might force Howe into a reshuffle, with fellow wide man Mark Molesley already sidelined by a long-term foot injury.

“Sammy’s worked hard to get his fitness back and hopefully he’ll be okay for Saturday, but as yet I’m unsure,” said Howe.

“Whether we change the shape in the side or whether we shuffle the pack, we’ll wait and see if he’s fit. But I’ve got a couple of options up my sleeve.”

Igoe’s absence would be a blow to Howe, with the 34-year-old only having recently recovered from a knee injury.

The creative midfielder spent almost two months out with the problem following the victory over Lincoln City in September, a game in which he scored twice.

Having returned to action with a goal in the impressive FA Cup win at Chesterfield last month, Igoe will be keen to continue his run in the team.

With Anton Robinson also struggling with a back problem, Howe is fortunate that central midfield is an area where he has cover.

But he is less blessed in wide areas. The Cherries boss added: “In the wide positions we’ve not got a great deal of wide men, especially on the left side, so it’s not ideal.”

One potential option available to Howe is homegrown forward Josh McQuoid.

He has made a series of |impressive appearances off the bench in recent weeks and Howe last week praised the youngster’s efforts.