AFC Bournemouth's Simon Francis hints that James Hill may be loaned

Defensive duo Hill and Greenwood flew out with Andoni Iraola’s senior squad to partake in Cherries’ warm-weather camp in Marbella.

In an interview conducted during Cherries’ eventual 1-0 pre-season friendly defeat to Maccabi Tel Aviv, Francis hinted out that Hill may once again head out on loan.

The England under-21 international spent the last six months of last season north of the border, featuring for Hearts in the Scottish capital.

Francis told afcb.co.uk: “For the likes of James Hill and Ben Greenwood to come away with the first team and train with them and get some match exposure.

“Whichever way their careers play out this season, whether it's an opportunity for James Hill to go on loan again or Ben Greenwood as well, this is priceless for them to be in and around the first team.

“Obviously we have a few niggles with players who aren't playing (against Maccabi Tel Aviv) and it's just another opportunity for them to showcase their abilities playing first team games here.”

With Iraola heavily rotating his side throughout the two friendlies, Hill lined up at right-back against Tel Aviv, mirroring his spell at Hearts when he was either deployed in a back three or more aggressive wing-back role.

“Not his natural position right-back, but has great capacity to get up and down, a machine really, for a centre-half,” continued Francis.

“He's got really good lung capacity, good on the ball, obviously aggressive, strong capabilities that come from him playing centre-half so he's got no problem playing there.”

“I think he played a lot on the right of a back three as well (at Hearts), which at times means you are operating as a right-back but also you can be narrow and play centre-half so you have that real hybrid position.

“Suits him fine.

“I think he'll say himself he's not an out and out right back, but needs must for us at the minute, early stages of pre-season, so good for him to be involved, of course.”