Jeff worth Prem slot

JONATHAN WOODGATE reckons Jefferson Lerma should be playing in the Premier League next season – with or without Bournemouth.

Colombia midfielder Lerma (below), 26, has emerged as the Cherries’ main man since Woodgate replaced Jason Tindall as Bournemouth boss in February.

Former England and Real Madrid star Woodgate, whose play-off hopefuls travel to Blackburn tomorrow, said: “If I am a head of recruitment somewhere then Jefferson is the main holding midfielder I’d be looking at, because he is absolutely outstanding.

“I cannot speak highly enough of him. He works for the team and does absolutely everything, heads it, kicks it, passes it and scores goals. I am a massive fan of Jeff as a No.6.”

Blackburn boss Tony Mowbray will leave it late before deciding whether to select top scorer Adam Armstrong.

Rovers’ 20-goal striker has struggled with tendon trouble of late and his side have found the net just once in the latest two games that he has missed.

Mowbray said: “Adam has trained this week. If he feels 100 per cent, and the physio department tell me it is OK, he will play. He has been missed as he can score goals – even in games where we have not played well.”