#PLStories- AFC Bournemouth’s interim manager. Gary O’Neil speaks on Jack Stephens #AFCB

INTERIM boss Gary O’Neil is backing Jack Stephens to be raring to go if he is included in Saturday’s clash with Everton – stating: “Jack's definitely ready.” Defender Stephens, a deadline day signing from neighbours Southampton on a season-long loan, made his first start for Cherries in the week, playing the full 90 minutes as the Dorset outfit comfortably cruised past Everton 4-1 to secure safe passage to the fourth round of the League Cup. The Plymouth Argyle academy graduate has made two Premier League appearances for Cherries so far, coming off the bench late on against Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. Alongside his first-team involvement, Stephens has also gained match fitness by playing with Cherries’ development squad. With Chris Mepham suspended after five yellow cards in the Premier League and captain Lloyd Kelly unlikely to return from an ankle injury in time for the weekend, it appears 28-year-old Stephens could be in line for his first Premier League start in red and black. Asked if he would turn to Stephens in the absence of Mepham and Kelly, O’Neil told the Daily Echo: “Jack's definitely ready. “There's a few others that are ready to come in as well. “So, yeah, obviously going into a Premier League game with no Lloyd Kelly and no Chris Mepham is not something that you want to have to do as AFC Bournemouth. “But we have good replacements. We have options that can come in and help us in that position.” O’Neil would not be drawn on confirming that Stephens would partner Marcos Senesi at the heart of defence, claiming he was yet to decide on a XI for the rematch with Everton. Youngster James Hill is available, whilst Adam Smith has deputised numerous times as a centre-half in a back-three system. With numerous players drafted in from the cold during Tuesday’s League Cup victory, O’Neil could potentially have a selection headache on his hands. Asked if he had been given food for thought by the performances of fringe players, O’Neil responded: “I haven't landed on my starting eleven just yet. “And if I had, I definitely wouldn't be telling you guys at this stage! “But it’s a tough team to pick. We've got so many good players. “I have a good idea of the best way to go this weekend. I'm sure we'll be ready to go come 3pm Saturday. “We'll make it a tough afternoon for Everton, hopefully.”