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.” Asked if he would turn to Stephens in the absence of Mepham and Kelly,
Gary O’Neil said: “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,
Gary 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.”
