Cherries boss Paul Groves insists sought-after striker Matt Tubbs is very much part of his plans.

Groves this week rejected further overtures from League Two outfit Rotherham to take the 28- year-old to Yorkshire on loan.

Millers boss Steve Evans, who worked with Tubbs at Crawley and sold him to Cherries in January, has made no secret of his desire to reunite with the player. Rotherham had a bid to sign Tubbs permanently turned down by Cherries at the start of pre-season.

Groves told the Daily Echo: “They have persistently tried to get us to release Matt whether it be buying or loaning him. I don’t see the sense in relinquishing one of our strikers and taking us down to the bare minimum.”

Tubbs, who was an unused substitute during the 1-1 draw with Preston six days ago, was restricted to two brief appearances from the bench in Cherries’ first two league games.

“It is not just about the 11 on the pitch, it is about the players who will play a part,” added Groves.

“There are a number of players who haven’t played loads of times. We are trying to play a certain way and trying to set a philosophy in terms of retention of the ball. We are trying to get a settled group of players and get a bit of understanding with the partnerships.

“We are also trying to look after players with their levels of fitness. There is a lot to take into consideration when you are planning and preparing to go forward.”