SKIPPER Simon Francis expects defensive reinforcements to be high on the agenda at Cherries this summer and insists boss Eddie Howe has plenty of time to find the right personnel.

Having lost the services of centre-halves Tommy Elphick and Sylvain Distin following the end of last season, Cherries are currently without Steve Cook and Baily Cargill due to injuries Howe hopes are only short term.

Alongside Tyrone Mings, right-back Adam Smith is still working towards full fitness after sustaining a groin problem at the beginning of April and while Francis could easily slot in as cover, that would leave Cherries without arguably their most influential centre-half of last season.

However, Francis, who two months ago won the coveted Daily Echo-Micky Cave supporters' player-of-the-year award for the second time, is confident Howe will crack the conundrum.

Speaking as Cherries looked set to bolster their defensive ranks with the signing of Liverpool's versatile left-back Brad Smith, Francis told the Daily Echo: "I'm sure it's an area the manager is going to look at having lost two centre-halves.

"We have to build a squad and we probably need to look at that area as somewhere we need to strengthen having lost Tommy and Sylvain.

"It's down to the gaffer, who has done excellently in bringing in some young and hungry players. The squad is already looking stronger and brighter than last season. The manager is not the kind of person who would rush to bring in a player just to fill a void.

"He will bide his time and bring in the right players as and when – that's what makes him the manager he is. He's got an eye for talent and he's signed some excellent players, who I'm really enjoying working with.

"I'm sure everything's going to be fine. We still have a number of weeks until the season starts and if anything, it's a good chance for young lads to come and show what they are capable of."

Having made the shift from full-back to centre-half last season, former Charlton defender Francis hopes to get more game time in the middle in the forthcoming campaign. And the 31-year-old does not expect to be the last Cherries player tried out in a different role.

Francis added: "Hopefully, I will be able to play at centre-back this season. I've been playing there in training and played there against Minnesota and Portsmouth, so I think I will be able to fill that position.

"The manager is well known for being able to pick a player who can slot into a number of positions.

"We saw that last season with myself and I'm sure he will be looking at players who can play a number of positions if ever something like that happens again.

"As long as we have a fully fit squad, that's the main thing. We don't want too many injuries from the start of the season. The main aim is to have a fully fit squad so it gives the manager a selection headache.

"That will mean everyone is fit and raring to go."