Daniels calls on Cherries to ‘step up’ amid defensive crisis

CHARLIE DANIELS is determined to make a success of his switch to centre-back to ease Bournemouth’s injury glut.

Full-back Daniels has been operating in a back three as Bournemouth battle a growing injury list, with club captain and defender Simon Francis out for at least six months with knee damage.

Bournemouth have gained just two wins in their last 10 league matches, and ended 2018 with a 4-1 defeat at Manchester United.

The Cherries now host Watford tonight, with Daniels calling on Eddie Howe’s men to sharpen up.

“It’s different, I’m learning, it’s a new position, and with the injuries we’ve got I’ve got to step up and play there,” said Daniels. “It’s not just me, all of us need to step up and improve.

Injuries

“We have got a lot of injuries, but it just gives opportunities for other players to play, and they need to take their chance. It was the same old mistakes, costing us (at Manchester United). So it’s down to us now really to cut that out.”

Holland defender Nathan Ake will face a late fitness test after a hamstring concern picked up at Old Trafford.

Elsewhere, Wolves have announced the signing of 18-yearold winger David Wang, who is set to go out on loan to Sporting Lisbon.

Wang, who was born in Spain and grew up in Cuenca, joins the Premier League club on a four-and-a-half-year deal from Spanish fourth-tier outfit Jumilla B (Estudiantes).

Huddersfield have completed the signing of England U-19 international Jaden Brown from Tottenham on a free transfer.