Wilshere is back to boost the Cherries’ chances
BOURNEMOUTH boss Jason Tindall is excited by the prospect of Jack Wilshere joining his promotionchasing squad.
The former Arsenal and West Ham United midfielder has signed a short-term deal until the end of the season and could be involved for the first time when the Cherries play Derby County tonight.
Wilshere made 27 appearances for Bournemouth in the Premier League during the 2016-17 season while on loan from the Gunners but his stay was cut short by injury.
Tindall believes the 29-year-old has “unfinished business”.
“I’m really pleased to have such a quality player to add to the group. I’ve been really impressed with Jack in the short time he’s been here,” he said.
“He feels that he’s still got unfinished business here with the way his (previous) time ended with his injury.
“While he was here it was the best finish in the Premier League the football club had and Jack played a huge, huge part and reason for it. As a player, he’s still got the quality he had then.
“I think he wants to be a part of a team that have got an opportunity to achieve and to try to win something this year. It’s something he hasn’t had for a while and he’s looking forward to trying to help and contribute to that challenge.
“To add someone of Jack’s quality to the group of players we’ve got can only be a good thing for us for the second half of the season.”
Bournemouth head to Pride Park on the back of Saturday’s home defeat to Luton Town.
Derby’s first game since Wayne Rooney was confirmed as their permanent manager ended in a 1-0 home defeat to Rotherham United. The Rams have been beaten in four of their last five matches, including to Chorley in the FA Cup.
Rotherham will look to make it successive victories for the first time this season against a Stoke City side without a win in six in all competitions.
Swansea City extended their unbeaten run to five Championship games with a 2-0 victory away to Barnsley on Saturday and Steve Cooper’s side will be looking to edge closer to leaders Norwich City when they travel to face Blackburn Rovers.
Rovers have won only one of their last five Championship games and were beaten by Doncaster Rovers in the FA Cup recently.
Fourth-placed Watford will be hoping to continue their strong home form against Barnsley. The Hornets have won nine of their 12 League games at Vicarage Road this season, losing only once.
It is another tough assignment for the Tykes, following back-to-back defeats to Swansea and Norwich.
Reading resume League action for the first time since January 2, due to Covid-19 postponements, and Veljko Paunovic’s team will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to four Championship matches.
Coventry City won the reverse fixture in October, inflicting a first League defeat of the campaign on the Royals, but the Sky Blues have won only one of their last five League games.